The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a new Employer Fact Sheet alerting employers about avoiding unlawful discrimination and other Form I-9 violations when using commercial or proprietary programs to electronically complete I-9s and participate in E-Verify. It is a
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USCIS Updates Policy Manual on F, M Visa Status International Students’ Present Intent-to-Depart
Students studying in the United States in F or M visa status must have a foreign residence that they have no intention of abandoning. A new USCIS policy manual update has clarified that being the beneficiary of a PERM application…
New Washington, D.C. Pay Transparency Law Scheduled to Go Into Effect on June 30, 2024
Washington, D.C. joins a growing group of states requiring employers to include projected salary ranges in job postings and to restrict the use of pay history in setting pay.
On Jan. 12, 2024, the mayor of D.C. signed the Wage…
Deferred Enforced Departure of Up to 18 Months for Palestinians Announced
President Joe Biden announced Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for up to 18 months for Palestinians currently residing in the United States. The president took this action due to the terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the military response,…
Understanding How U.S. Export Controls Affect Manufacturers’ Hiring Practices
The U.S. government has adjusted export control regulations in an effort to protect U.S. national security interests. The revisions primarily affect export of electronic computing items and semiconductors to prevent foreign powers from obtaining critical technologies that may threaten national…
H-1B Update: New Rule Focuses on Beneficiary-Centric Improvements
USCIS published its Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity final rule on Feb. 2, 2024. The new final rule has three basic categories: creating a beneficiary-centric selection process, specifically allowing for start date flexibility, and other enhancements…
New, Higher USCIS Filing Fees Take Effect April 1, 2024
Many USCIS filing fees are being adjusted upward beginning on April 1, 2024. That date, of course, is particularly significant. It is the earliest date that Cap H-1Bs can be filed.
The H-1B filing fee, for example, will rise from…
Syrian TPS Extended, Redesignated
USCIS announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The redesignation is based on the continuing civil war and the accompanying dire humanitarian consequences taking…
Immigration Issues Companies Reconsidering Bachelor’s Degree as Job Requirement Must Keep in Mind
The increasing need for talented workers in the United States has more and more employers considering eliminating bachelor’s degree requirements from job descriptions. A recognition of the value of skills and experience over formal education may be driving the trend.…
USCIS Final Rule Increasing Filing Fees Expected Soon
USCIS previously deferred its proposed filing fee increase until early 2024 – and the increase might be coming out very soon! This increase will come on top of the increased premium processing fees that will go into effect on Feb.…