Headlines: OFLC Announces Annual Determination of H-2A Labor Supply States for U.S. Worker Recruitment – The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Administrator has determined that current requirements for labor supply states will remain in effect, with one modification: OFLC will no longer recognize North Carolina and Texas as traditional labor supply […]

FEATURE ARTICLE RED FLAGS IN EMPLOYMENT LAW RELATED TO IMMIGRATION: AN OVERVIEW –This article provides an update on red flags in employment law related to immigration in several countries. COUNTRY UPDATES ITALY – On November 13, 2023, the European Union (EU) Council adopted new rules to allow online filing of Schengen visa applications. Also, a […]

Headlines: DHS Increases FY 2024 Limit on H-2B Nonagricultural Workers and Provides Portability – In consultation with the Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security is increasing the total number of noncitizens who may receive an H-2B nonimmigrant visa by up to 64,716 for fiscal year 2024. 20,000 visas are reserved for nationals of […]

Headlines: Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence Includes Immigration-Related Provisions – On October 30, 2023, President Biden issued “Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” Section 5 of the order, “Promoting Innovation and Competition,” includes various immigration-related provisions. DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap With Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for […]

Headlines: State Dept. Intends to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Applicants – The Department of State intends to resume the renewal of H-1B nonimmigrant visas in the United States for certain applicants, beginning with a pilot program in early 2024, and has sent its proposal to the Office […]

Feature Article ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN IMMIGRATION DECISION-MAKING: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of artificial intelligence considerations in immigration decision-making in the European Union. Country Updates CANADA – Applications are now open for the new H-1B Specialty Occupation visa holder work permit. Also, restrictions on foreigners’ authorized studies have been temporarily removed. HONG […]

  INSIDE THIS ISSUE USCIS Reminds Employers to Start Using New Form I-9 by November 1 Deadline – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminded employers about the November 1, 2023, deadline for using the updated I-9 form with the 08/01/2023 edition date, and the Spanish version. DOS Publishes DV-2025 Instructions, List of Countries – […]

Headlines: Potential Government Shutdown Effect on Immigration Agencies – There has been much speculation that the federal government is headed for a shutdown starting October 1, 2023. A shutdown would cause many adverse immigration impacts. USCIS Issues Update on DACA Decision – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued an update about the partial stay of […]

Headlines: HHS Creates Data-matching Program with DHS – The Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a notice of a new data-matching program that will allow government agencies to share personally identifiable information of HHS applicants and enrollees. State Department Jettisons 2019 Public Charge Restrictions – The Department of State issued […]

Headlines: DOJ Sues SpaceX for Discriminating Against Asylees and Refugees in Hiring – The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them because of their citizenship status. USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on CSPA ‘Sought to Acquire’ Requirement – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has […]