Fees and Penalties

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  • A federal district court has struck down the $100,000 fee the Trump Administration imposed on certain H-1B petitions.
  • The court ruling could allow affected beneficiaries of approved H-1B petitions obtain visas and travel to the U.S. without having to pay the exorbitant fee.
  • The government is expected to consider appellate options, and employers should
…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has updated its Form I‑9 Inspection guidance, changing how the agency classifies certain Form I‑9 errors during employer audits.

Although the underlying Form I‑9 requirements remain the same, several errors that were considered “technical or procedural” are now treated as “substantive,” which may result in penalties without an opportunity…

Ohio’s new employment verification law, the ‘E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act’ (House Bill 246), will require many construction employers in the state to use the federal E-Verify system when hiring. The law, signed in December 2025, is set to take effect on March 19, 2026.

Under the new law, nonresidential construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor brokers…

Takeaways

  • Haitian TPS will not end 02.03.26 after a federal court stayed DHS’s 11.28.25 termination notice.
  • Venezuela TPS is not reinstated despite the Ninth Circuit ruling, because a U.S. Supreme Court stay remains in effect pending further appeals.
  • As the latest developments show, TPS rules differ sharply by country, requiring careful, individualized employer review.

On…

California’s “Workplace Know Your Rights Act,” SB 294, introduces significant new requirements for California employers beginning Feb. 1, 2026, with important implications for immigration‑related enforcement and employee rights.

The law is intended to ensure that all employees, including immigrant workers, are informed of their protections during workplace interactions with immigration authorities and law enforcement. 

Key…

The U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit agreed on Jan. 5, 2025, to fast-track the appeal of the recent federal court ruling upholding the Trump Administration’s imposition of a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions.

On Dec. 24, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia upheld the…

A federal judge has granted the Trump Administration’s motion for summary judgment and upheld the legality of the $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B visa petitions. Chamber of Commerce of the USA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:25-cv-03675 (D.D.C. Dec. 23, 2025).

President Donald Trump’s Sept. 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry…

  • 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
…

Related links

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released updated educational materials on national origin discrimination on Nov. 19, 2025, in response to the…

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…