On July 25, 2023, DHS announced an alternative procedure for Form I-9 allowing “qualified employers” to choose an alternative procedure (i.e. a virtual document inspection via video call) in lieu of physically examining Form I-9 documentation that had been examined…
Blog Archives
Keeping Up With a Week of I-9 Updates! Some Employers Can Cancel Their I-9 Pajama Party!
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formalized the end of the temporary COVID-19 flexibilities which had allowed for remote inspection of documents. DHS previously announced that the flexibilities will end on July 31, 2023, but allowed for…
ICYMI: Employers Have 30 Days to Reach I-9 Compliance After COVID Flexibilities Sunset on July 31, 2023
On May 4, 2023, DHS and ICE announced that employers have an additional 30 days to reach compliance with Form I-9 requirements after the COVID-19 flexibilities sunset on July 31, 2023. These I-9 flexibilities were first announced in March 2020…
I-9 Compliance Flexibility Requirements Extended Through July 31, 2023
On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID‑19. This temporary guidance…
I-9 Compliance Flexibility Requirements Extended Through May 31, 2021
On March 31, 2021, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending once again the current I-9 compliance flexibility requirements in place, for another sixty (60) days due to the continued COVID-19 precautions.…
USCIS Completes Selection of H-1B Registrants
On March 27, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap) including the advanced degree…
DOL Rolls Back Wage Rule; USCIS’ Extreme H-1B Rule Will Not Take Effect
On Friday, December 4, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will not implement its Strengthening the H–1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program interim final rule (“H-1B Rule”) that was scheduled to take effect on December 7, 2020. Similarly, on December…
State of the Union: Top Issues Affecting Immigration in 2019
By TL Loke Walsh 2018 was another roller coaster year in the immigration world. Spurred by the implementation of Trump’s Buy American, Hire American (BAHA) executive order in April 2017, DHS has been quietly implementing significant change – all without…
Security Enhancements to the Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that beginning today, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applicants will be required to provide additional information when applying through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). With the additional data requirement, DHS expects…
Policy Update: USCIS Includes Gestational Mothers Under the Definition of "Natural Mother"
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy to include gestational mothers, using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), under the definition of a “natural mother,” provided that she is also the legal mother at the time of birth.…
