DHS and CDC have announced a new travel restriction at the Southern and Northern borders due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. According to the announcement, DHS will do what it can (including repatriation flights) to prevent the introduction of “affected individuals” into “congregate settings” at land ports of entries (POEs) or Border Patrol Stations
Immigration
Temporary E-Verify Policies Announced for Delays Due to COVID-19
E-Verify has modified its policies temporarily due to COVID-19 as follows:
- Employers must still create cases in E-Verify within three business days from the date of hire.
- Employers should use the hire date from the employee’s Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.
- Delays in E-Verify case creations are documented in the usual way by selecting
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National Emergency Prompts DHS to Announce Temporary Flexibility for Employers’ I-9 Compliance
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced flexibility regarding Employment Verification (Form I-9) regulations due to COVID-19.
Recognizing that companies and organizations are having to temporarily shift to a remote working basis, DHS is allowing employers to inspect Section 2 documents remotely (e.g., over video link, fax or email, and so on) and to obtain,…
USCIS Announces Expanded Premium Processing Suspension, Acceptance of Non-Original Signatures
Due to COVID-19, USCIS announced that as of March 20, 2020, it is immediately suspending premium processing service for all Form I-129 and I-140 petitions until further notice. USCIS also said that petitioners that have already filed a form requesting premium processing will receive refunds if their cases are not acted on within the 15…
Travel Restrictions Update: United Kingdom and Ireland
Several Presidential Proclamations suspending travel to the U.S. from abroad due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been issued since January 31, 2020, each building upon the last. Now, restrictions on those traveling from the United Kingdom and Ireland have been added, according to the most recent proclamation, which outlines the short…
COVID-19 and Employer Responsibilities to Workers on Visas
As employers respond to workplace issues pertaining to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), it is important not to forget about foreign nationals working pursuant to temporary non-immigrant visas. Employers must avoid discriminatory policies and remember that there are additional rules and regulations that apply to employees on visas.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Working
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