- Ensure the software program allows employers and employees
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, and the humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza. Individuals do not need to…
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 security. As manufacturers are facing increased demand for their products and critical labor shortages, they…
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 $460 to $780. The ACWIA Fee (to fund the training of U.S. workers) and the…
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 place in Syria.
Individuals who are already in Syrian TPS must apply for the extension…
TPS Re-Registration Periods Extended for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sudan
- El Salvador March 9, 2025
- Haiti August 3, 2024
- Honduras July 5, 2025
- Nepal June
Efforts Continue to Legalize Work, Other Pathways for Undocumented Students, Asylum Seekers
Undocumented students are waiting for University of California (UC) leadership to issue a plan that would remove hiring restrictions for all UC students, regardless of immigration status.
The proposed plan, titled Opportunity For All (O4All), is supported by language in the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) that the prohibition of employment of undocumented…
Implications of Priority Date Retrogression for R-1 Religious Worker Visas
A change in calculating the availability of immigrant numbers means some foreign national ministers who are in the United States on temporary R-1 religious worker visas and waiting in lines for green cards will have to wait even longer, it seems. Some may even have to leave their congregations.
Ministers entering the United States solely…
Details Available for Applications for TPS and TPS-Based Employment Authorization Documents for Venezuelans
At the end of September, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. The detailed instructions are now available in the Federal Register.
The 18-month extension of TPS and employment authorization for those who already have TPS runs from March 11, 2024, until September 10…
USCIS E-COA Allows Foreign Nationals to Update Their Addresses Online
USCIS has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to make it easier for foreign nationals to update their addresses.
All foreign nationals, even green card holders, are required to notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of the move. Beyond that regulation, it is important to notify USCIS…