Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed Executive Order 15, which requires all state government departments to verify the employment eligibility of new hires and confirm immigration status or U.S. citizenship before granting state-issued occupational and professional licenses.

Governor Reynolds explained her decision by referencing a recent incident involving the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. She stated, "While it’s the responsibility of employers to ensure those they hire are eligible to work in the United States, in light of recent events with the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, I am issuing Executive Order 15, putting safeguards in place that will verify the legal immigration or citizenship status for anyone requesting a state-issued professional license before they provide services for Iowans or are entrusted with the health, safety or education of our communities." She added, "Additionally, as an employer, the state takes seriously its responsibility to verify work eligibility. While some agencies voluntarily use E-Verify as part of the hiring process, my executive action now makes it a requirement."

The executive order mandates use of two federal online systems administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): E-Verify and SAVE. These systems will be used at no cost to the state. E-Verify is designed to confirm if employees are authorized to work in the United States by comparing data from Form I-9 with records from federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration. The process provides quick feedback on employment eligibility.

SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) supplies real-time information on immigration and citizenship status to help determine eligibility for benefits and licenses offered by government agencies. This includes programs such as health care benefits, social security benefits, education grants, driver’s licenses and ID cards, as well as occupational and professional licenses. The goal is to ensure only qualified applicants receive these benefits and credentials.

The Office of the Governor is working with USCIS on how best to implement these requirements across Iowa’s state agencies. A memorandum of understanding is expected later this month so that user authorization can begin promptly. The objective is for full implementation by year-end.