CLARK COUNTY, Wash. – Clark County has become the first county in Washington to demand their contractors prove their employees are legal through the E-Verify system or be banned from getting county projects.

Under the county resolution, contractors on projects over $1 million would have to verify all employees were here legally.

Private employers must use the federal E-Verify Web site and enter a worker’s name, birthday and Social Security number or their Alien Identification number. That data is cross-referenced with the Social Security Administration and Immigration Services.

If the employee is using a fake Social Security number or if they are not in the United States legally, the system issues a red flag in 24 hours.

“Some of the contractors I know in Portland are already doing it,” said Jerry Nutter of the Nutter Corporation. “They say it’s a simple process and it’s a good process, because it makes sure everyone is legal.”

Clark County’s League of United Latin American Citizens said national immigration reform is what is needed instead.

“If people thinking using E-Verify is going to fix the problem, it’s not,” said Maria Rodriguez-Salazar, from the League of United Latin American Citizens. “It’s just going to force people to go underground.”

They said the ordinance could be racist and their group is discussing an economic boycott.

“If we’re not good enough to be viewed as legit clients then our money isn’t good enough to be spent here, so maybe we need to cross over the bridge and spend our money there and prove a point,” said Rodriguez-Salazar.

Next week, E-Verify will be used on the federal level when contractors on federal jobs will be required to use E-Verify. Marion County in Oregon already uses E-Verify for hiring county employees.

Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt said the Clark County E-Verify ordinance should take effect in about two weeks.