DHS Extends I-9 Flexibility Rules
On March 19, 2020, DHS issued announced a new policy which deferred the requirement for employers to review original documents presented by employees to prove their identity and authorization to…
Recent Federal Court Decision protects F-1 OPT… For Now
Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (“WashTech”), initiated a lawsuit in 2016 alleging, in part, that the 2016 Science Technology Engineering and Technology Optional Practical Training ( STEM OPT) rule, was…
Federal Judges Strikes Down Trump H-1B Rules
On Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Judge Jeffrey White, a Bush appointee to the US District Court in California, struck down two Trump Administration rules which likely would have to drastically…
Will DOL’s Higher H-1B Prevailing Wage Prevail?
Late last week, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a new rule, effectively immediately, which generally increases prevailing wages determined by using the DOL’s On-Line Wage Library. These changes will impact prevailing wages…
USCIS Expands Premium Processing Services to More Immigration Benefit Categories
USCIS will be increasing Premium Processing service fees and expanding the availability of Premium Processing services to a broader array of immigration benefit categories as a result of the provisions included…
USCIS Begins Sending Identification Documents via “Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery” Mail October 2, 2020
With all the recent media coverage regarding issues with the delivery of the mail, it is no wonder that USCIS is adopting changes that will permit them to confirm that…
State Department Issues Much-Needed Guidance on Recent Executive Orders
On August 12, 2020 the U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued guidance on certain aspects of the Executive Orders recently issued by the President banning the issuance of many H-1B, H-2B, L-1,…
DHS To Increase Filing Fees Effective October 2, 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it will raise filing fees for visa benefits, which will result in a weighted average increase to filing fees of 20%. …
I-9 Update: DHS Again Extends Virtual Document Review – With Limitations – But Response Time to NOIs Not Extended
Updated September 14, 2020: DHS has extended virtual document review flexibility through November 19, 2020. In March 2020 the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that…