Baltimore does not require private employers to use E-Verify. Maryland law leaves the federal program voluntary except for state contractors above certain thresholds; the city imposes no additional verification mandate.
Federal law (IRCA) requires Form I-9 verification for all hires, but use of the federal E-Verify electronic system remains voluntary for private employers in Maryland. Baltimore has not enacted a city E-Verify ordinance. State agencies and certain Maryland public contractors must use E-Verify under State Procurement provisions (COMAR 21.11.16), but private hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Baltimore choose whether to participate. The Welcoming City framework discourages additional status checks beyond federal I-9 requirements at the city level for both private and public hiring within Baltimore.
Federal I-9 violations carry U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement penalties of $281 to $2,789 per paperwork violation; no additional Baltimore civil fine attaches.
Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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See how Baltimore's e-verify mandates rules stack up against other locations.
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