South Dakota lawmakers reject mandatory E-Verify checks of worker citizenship, immigration status

South Dakota lawmakers reject mandatory E-Verify checks of worker citizenship, immigration status

State Rep. Josephine Garcia, R-Watertown, listens to a speaker in the South Dakota House of Representatives at the Capitol in Pierre on Feb. 10, 2026. At left is Rep. Karla Lems, R-Canton. Garcia sponsored a bill this year to require the use of E-Verify by employers. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)PIERRE — A bill that would have required some South Dakota employers to use a federal website to verify employees’ work eligibility…