The restrictions on the issuance of H-1B, L-1, and J-1 nonimmigrant “guest-worker” visas, which have been in place since June 24, 2020, expired without fanfare on March 31, 2021. As a result, U.S. consulates around the world will resume issuing H-1B, L-1, and J-1 visas without the need for an additional national interest exception
Immigration
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…
Legislation Update: House Passes Bills on Dreamers, Farm Workers
By Sean G Hanagan on
Posted in Agriculture, Immigration
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed a memorandum fortifying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. His administration also has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more individuals: those from Venezuela and Burma. Building on this, President Biden also proposed broad legislative immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for…
Easing of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Expected in May
By Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
Some of the inbound international travel restrictions that have bedeviled U.S. employers reportedly are expected to be lifted by mid-May.
This will include restrictions on travel from the UK, Europe, and Brazil, as well as the travel restrictions at the Northern and Southern borders, which were recently continued until April 21, 2021. An anonymous senior…
Immigration Policies Can Focus on Geographical Areas of Declining Population
By Elizabeth A. Evans on
Posted in Immigration
Over 40 percent of counties in the United States are experiencing population declines, and the country is experiencing a decline in the working-age population. Together, these demographics, some say, may signal an eventual slowdown of the economy. How to reverse the trend? Immigrants moving to targeted areas could help stem the decline.
Countries such…
The Future of EB-5 Investor Visa
By Zain Abidi on
Posted in Immigration
The EB-5 Investor Visa was created by an act of Congress in 1993, and it has proved to be a critical driver in American job creation since its inception.
By some estimates, the program has brought in over $20.6 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at no cost to the American taxpayer. The program…
New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for United Kingdom, Ireland, Schengen Area
By Aimee Guthat on
Posted in Immigration
When President Joe Biden revoked the immigrant visa ban, but not the nonimmigrant visa ban or 14-day travel restrictions, it seemed there might be problems ahead. New restrictions on National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the 14-day travel restrictions for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Schengen Area have been issued, and many individuals currently in…
Companies Prep to Return to Worksites as Temporary Flexibility for I-9 Compliance Extended
By Aimee Guthat & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
Flexibility in completing I-9 Employment Verification Forms has been continued until March 31, 2021, and it may be extended beyond that. Under that flexibility, employers have been allowed to inspect Section 2 Form I-9 documents virtually (e.g., over video link, by fax, or by email).
Nevertheless, as companies “return” to worksites and show…
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
…
Biden Administration Announces Travel Restrictions Due to COVID-19 and Related Variants
By Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
The Biden administration announced that restrictions on travel known as the “14-Day Rules” will remain in effect, despite former President Trump’s decision to terminate some of them. These rules restrict entry by most non-U.S. citizens and non-Green Card holders from China, Iran, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil and the 26 Schengen Zone countries. While there…