Reynolds signs executive order requiring use of federal systems to verify immigration status of prospective state employees

DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds has signed an executive order requiring state government departments to start using federal systems that verify whether an applicant is eligible to work in the United States.

The move comes after the arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts, who was arrested almost two weeks ago and is now facing deportation along with federal gun charges.

Reynolds says her staff is working with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to set up state government access to two systems. E-Verify checks if a job applicant is eligible to work in the United States, while SAVE verifies immigration status or citizenship.