The country dodged a government shutdown at the end of September, but we may be faced with the same problem on December 3, 2021, when Congress will again have to fund the government. Because we often come close to a shutdown (and sometimes shutdowns happen), it is important to remember how a shutdown affects the
Otieno B. Ombok
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ICE: I-9 Flexibility to Continue Through 2021
By Amy L. Peck, Michael H. Neifach & Otieno B. Ombok on
Posted in Immigration
Once again, at the last moment, ICE has extended “flexibility” for I-9 employment verification. This time, for four more months, until the end of the year, December 31, 2021, due to continuing COVID-19 precautions.
Employees hired on or after April 1, 2021, who work exclusively in a remote setting are temporarily exempt from the physical…
Somalia TPS Extension to 2023 Announced
By Otieno B. Ombok on
Posted in Immigration
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through March 17, 2023.
The Secretary stated, “Three decades of conflict in Somalia, along with natural disasters and disease outbreaks, have worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis.” Somalia has been dealing with violence, drought,…
Judge Again Finds DACA Program Illegal, Blocks New Applications, Allows Renewals
By Michael H. Neifach, Amy L. Peck & Otieno B. Ombok on
Posted in Immigration
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program (DACA) is not legal, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen has ruled in State of Texas et al. v. U.S. et al.
Judge Hanen issued an injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from accepting new DACA applications. However, recognizing the substantial reliance interests involved, he allowed…
ICE Announces Extension for Temporary Flexibility for I-9 Compliance to May 31
By Michael H. Neifach, Otieno B. Ombok & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
ICE has announced that I-9 flexibility will be continued for another 60 days, until May 31, 2021. Here is ICE’s full announcement.
With this extension, ICE specifically noted that employees hired on or after April 1, 2021 who work exclusively in a remote setting due to COVID-19 related precautions will be exempt from the…
Temporary Flexibility for I-9 Compliance Extended Again
By Michael H. Neifach, Otieno B. Ombok & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
Once again, ICE has announced a further extension of flexibility in its rules related to I-9 compliance. The extension will continue through March 31, 2021.
This means that:
- Employers may continue to inspect Section 2 Form I-9 documents virtually (e.g., over video link, by fax, or by email).
- The flexibility applies only
…