The uptick in ICE investigations has Oregon requiring employers to notify employees of any upcoming investigation by a federal agency (such as a Form I-9 inspection) for records, forms, or other documentation used to verify employee identify and work authorization. Oregon follows California in taking this step. Under Oregon’s statute, SB 370 (2019), employers must, within three business days of receiving a notice of any inspection: Post the notice in a conspicuous and accessible location,…

Employers have paid about $7 billion in H-1B fees over the past 10 years. Now, a new fee is coming – the electronic registration fee. Electronic pre-registration for the H-1B lottery is set to begin for the 2020 cap season. The government’s idea is that conducting the lottery based upon pre-registrations (rather than complete filings) will be more efficient for USCIS and less costly for employers who will not have to file complete petitions unless…

California SB 206 would allow college-level student-athletes in California to market their name, image, and likeness without affecting their amateur status. How may the new law, which is in the final phases of approval, affect international student-athletes? Foreign students enter the United States on F-1 student visas. The terms of this type of visa drastically restrict the ability of the individual to earn money while studying in the United States as an international student. The…

The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sent an unprecedented number of I-9 audits, called Notices of Inspection (NOIs), in the previous three weeks reportedly to more than 3,000 companies. At least another 3,000 are likely on the way since ICE has requested (and received) an additional $6.5 million to hire new 27 Junior Compliance Officers (JCOs), some of whom will be staffing four new HSI (Homeland Security Investigation) offices in…

In a move that likely will give a boost to the Brazilian tourism industry, the Brazilian government has announced that U.S. citizens can now visit Brazil without a visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, and Japan also have received this cost-saving and time-saving benefit. This move was first discussed in March by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro just prior to a trip to White House. Since then, Brazil has witnessed a 30-percent uptick in individuals searching …