- Illinois employers may not rely solely on SSA “no-match,” IRS discrepancy notices, or similar third-party notifications to take disciplinary or termination action.
- Employers must meet strict notice, timing, and communication requirements, including providing employees an opportunity to respond and to involve a representative.
- Employees, the attorney general, and designated advocacy organizations may bring civil
USCIS Widens Freeze on Immigration Benefits for Nationals of 19 Countries: Employers Should Expect Delays Across Multiple Categories
- USCIS has confirmed its Dec. 2 policy memo, which listed only a narrow set of applications, was not exhaustive and that it has
New EEOC Guidance Aligns with DOL’s H-1B ‘Project Firewall,’ Stresses Foreign Worker Preferences Can Be a Form of ‘National Origin’ Discrimination
Related links
- EEOC Press Release: New and Updated Educational Materials on National Origin Discrimination (11.19.25)
- EEOC National Origin Discrimination Landing Page
- EEOC Technical Assistance Document: “Discrimination Against American Workers Is Against the Law”
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released updated educational materials on national origin discrimination on Nov. 19, 2025, in response to the
Employers Can Expect Higher H‑1B/H‑4 Visa Denials + Delays as State Department Expands Review of Applicants’ Social‑Media Presence
Takeaways
- Starting 12.15.25, all H‑1B visa applicants and their H‑4 dependents must make their social‑media profiles public.
- Consular officers will scrutinize social-media activity, resumes and online work history.
- Employers sponsoring H-1B workers should anticipate possible delays, administrative processing or denials, especially for roles in tech, social media or other sensitive content-related fields.
Expansion of Online
DOL’s Recently Launched “Project Firewall” Increases Employer Risks + Penalties for H-1B Practices
Takeaways
- The launch of Project Firewall signals the current administration’s tougher, more restrictive stance on high-skilled immigration.
- Key aspects of the enforcement initiative include increased investigations, interagency coordination, greater employer accountability and intent to protect American workers.
- Employers should review their H-1B policies and practices now.
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently launched
USCIS Announces Review of Green Cards Issued to Individuals from 19 Countries, Halt of Afghan-Related Immigration Requests
Takeaways
- The Trump Administration will review all green cards issued to individuals from 19 “countries of concern.”
- The DHS has indefinitely stopped processing Afghan-related immigration requests.
- President Trump stated his goal is to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joe Edlow recently announced a realignment of
FMCSA Restricting Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Announces Interim Final Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced that it has strengthened requirements for issuance and renewal of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for non-domiciled applicants individuals.
The FMCSA’s interim final rule limits issuance of non-domiciled CDLs to individuals with specific lawful employment-based nonimmigrant status categories (H-2A, H-2B, or E-2).
The rule also requires
DHS Announces End of EAD Auto-Extensions for Foreign Nationals’ Pending Renewals
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Oct. 29, 2025, it is ending the practice of USCIS automatically extending validity of employment authorization documents (EADs) of foreign nationals who have timely filed filing renewal applications in certain employment authorization categories. Such foreign nationals will need a formal approval of their renewal application and receipt
USCIS Issues Guidance on $100,000 H-1B Petition Fee Under Presidential Proclamation
USCIS has released guidance on President Donald Trump’s Sept. 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” introducing a new $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B nonimmigrant visa petitions.
USCIS on Oct. 20, 2025, issued guidance clarifying which petitions are subject to the Proclamation’s new requirements, how and when the $100,000 payment
E-Verify Is Available and Operational as Government Shutdown Continues
Without notice, E-Verify appeared back online late on the evening of Oct. 7, 2025. As of 2:00 p.m. (ET) on Oct. 8, 2025, E-Verify is still online and appears fully operable. Employers can resume submitting cases.
The E-Verify website had gone dark on Oct. 1, as expected, due to the federal government shutdown. Visitors to