Dallas, TX Immigration Policy: E-Verify Mandates (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal mandate scope
- Federal contractors only
- Texas state mandate
- State agencies and contractors
- Dallas city mandate
- None enacted
- Voluntary use
- Allowed for any employer
- Form I-9
- Required for all employers
Summary
Texas has no statewide E-Verify mandate for private employers. Dallas has not adopted a city requirement either, so private employers may use E-Verify voluntarily. Only state agencies and contractors must enroll.
Sec. 673.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "E-verify program" means the electronic verification of employment authorization program of the federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-208, reprinted in note, 8 U.S.C. Section 1324a), operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or a successor employment authorization program designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency authorized to verify the employment authorization status of newly hired employees under the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. Section 1101 et seq.).(2) "State agency" has the meaning assigned by Section 659.101. Added by
Full Breakdown
E-Verify is a voluntary federal program for confirming employment eligibility. Federal law mandates participation only for federal contractors under FAR 52.222-54. Texas Governor's Executive Order RP-80 (2014) and later Executive Order GA-22 require Texas state agencies and certain state contractors to use E-Verify, but no Texas statute imposes a mandate on private employers. Dallas has not enacted a city-level requirement. Private employers may enroll through USCIS voluntarily. Workers must receive notice and an opportunity to contest tentative non-confirmations under federal E-Verify rules. Federal Form I-9 employment verification remains mandatory for all employers regardless of E-Verify enrollment.
Violations & Fines
Federal contractors who fail to enroll face contract debarment. Misuse of E-Verify, including pre-screening applicants or running checks on existing workers, violates federal program rules and risks termination of E-Verify access plus discrimination claims under federal IRCA anti-discrimination provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dallas require employers to use E-Verify?
Can a Dallas employer use E-Verify voluntarily?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
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