VERIFY Act of 2026

Improved Accuracy and Speed: By upgrading infrastructure and implementing automated data reconciliation, the program seeks to provide more reliable and timely verification responses (Section 2(a)).

Faster Status Updates: The bill requires that changes to an individual's immigration status, such as extensions or revocations, be reflected in the program within 24 hours of being recorded (Section 2(b)).

Improved Verification through Data Sharing: The Act promotes better verification accuracy by integrating the program into DHS systems and establishing agreements with the Social Security Administration and other federal agencies (Section 2(c)).

Automated Status Alerts: The program will notify querying agencies if an individual's immigration status changes after an initial verification, which is relevant for continued eligibility (Section 2(d)).

Protection Against Unfair Automated Decisions: The bill ensures that no adverse eligibility determination can be made solely based on automated processing, requiring human review for contested or negative determinations (Section 2(f)).

Limits on Data Use: The Act limits information to what is necessary for eligibility and prohibits the use of the program for general law enforcement or surveillance purposes (Section 2(e)).

No Fees for Government Agencies: No fees will be charged to Federal, State, local, or Tribal government agencies for submitting verification queries (Section 3).

Mandatory Human Review for Contested Decisions: While intended as a safeguard, the bill requires human review for any contested or negative determinations resulting from automated tools (Section 2(f)).

Potential for Data Sharing Risks: The bill encourages voluntary data-sharing agreements with State vital records agencies for verifying birth and death information (Section 2(c)).