This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I have four problems with the Los Angeles Times editorial "Mandating E-Verify would be a mistake" (Opinion, Oct.11):
First, since the E-Verify website is free, and it takes approximately three minutes to enter the data required to check a person's legal status, why would it cost small-business employers $2.7 billion to implement?
Second, if farmers are short of illegal help, why aren't they using our legal federal guest worker programs?
Third, the editorial asserts that "The system can't detect identity fraud." It's unfortunate that the L.A. Times did not feel the need to mention another Bloomberg News report: "U.S. to Let Workers Check Their Immigration Status Online." This is an "E-Verify Self Check" program for employees. It's now available in several states and is expected to be nationwide by early next spring.
Finally, the editorial did not offer a better solution.
Susan Rounds
Midvale