February 4, 2010 11:02AM 

# Need a Mortgage? Your Papers, Please … 

By [Jim Harper](https://www.cato.org/people/jim-harper) 

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In case you need any evidence that the federal background check system would expand to cover many more things than employment, that process is already underway. [H.R. 4586](http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_4586.html) would require someone seeking modification of a home mortgage loan held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to be verified under the E‑verify program. (Same would go for modifying mortgages insured under the National Housing Act.)

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[Technology and Privacy](https://www.cato.org/technology-privacy) 

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