On November 10, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security reached a settlement agreement that impacts employment authorization for individuals in H-4 or L-2 status. H-4 BENEFICIARIES: Employment Authorization and Those in H-4 Status The settlement agreement applies to an H-4 dependent spouse who: Properly filed an EAD renewal application before the expiration of their current… [Read More]
I-9 Bootcamp: How to Complete Form I-9 for OPT / CPT (Video)
In our I-9 Bootcamp Series, FordMurray Founding Partner Russell Ford examines how to complete Form I-9 for OPT/CPT in complex hiring scenarios. A reminder – employers should never ask for specific forms while verifying employment eligibility, but in this video, employers will see the forms most likely used by noncitizens on F-1 status, hired for… [Read More]
Workplace Discrimination Lawsuit Highlights Importance of I-9 Training
A settlement reached by Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) of the United States Department of Justice and a private security services company demonstrates how easy it is for companies to go awry of I-9 compliance. Hence the importance of I-9 Training. The settlement is the culmination of an investigation into whether the private security… [Read More]
Potential Penalties for Hiring Undocumented Immigrants
The hiring of undocumented immigrants, whether purposeful or not, is illegal. The I-9 process was implemented in 1986 to help combat this practice and to provide protections to both US workers and lawfully authorized non-US workers. As federal immigration policy looks to protect U.S. workers and wages in the post-pandemic world, the workplace will remain one… [Read More]
Wave of ICE Enforcement Asks – Are Your I-9s Audit Ready?
Increased ICE surveillance and arrest activities historically heralds added enforcement for U.S. employers. Find out if you are ready for an audit.
Form I-9 Requirements Flexibility Extended for an Additional 30 Days
Due to delays in the issuance of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), USCIS has announced that employees may use the I-797 Notice of Action indicating that their I-765 EAD has been approved as a valid document for proof of work authorization. The Notice of Action would need to have a notice date between December 1, 2019,… [Read More]
Enforcement of I-9 Policies Could be Next Front in Immigration Battle
The Trump Administration made clear its plans to continue to link record-high unemployment with immigration, as seen with President Trump’s recent executive order suspending entry to the U.S. on the H-1B, L and J-1 visas. The time is now to make sure you are following I-9 policies. While business leaders across the United States challenge… [Read More]
USCIS Announces COVID-19 Temporary Policy for List B Identity Documents
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary policy for expired “List B” Identity documents used for to complete Employment Eligibility Verification of Form I-9. Starting May 1, List B Identity documents that expire on or after March 1, 2020, may be treated as if the employee presented a valid receipt for the document. USCIS… [Read More]
What to do if your Business Receives a “No-Match” Notification
A recent New York Times article reported that tens of thousands of employers are expected to receive “no-match” notifications from the Social Security Administration, a move that could cause massive disruptions in hospitality, construction and agriculture workforces. The notifications are the first to be sent since 2012. The practice received increased scrutiny in 2007, when… [Read More]
Top 5 Tips for Year-End Immigration Planning
With the change from summer to fall, we approach the end of 2018 – when many companies are planning their recruitment and retention strategies for foreign employees. In today’s immigration landscape, it’s important to know how to proactively plan for your business goals, so we have compiled our Top 5 Tips for Year-End Immigration Planning:… [Read More]
