On June 23, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) launched the H-2B data hub, which provides information to the public on employers or agents petitioning for H-2B workers. A press release noted that this is an effort to increase transparency in employment-based visa programs. » Read More

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, and Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) have introduced the Equal Access to Green Cards for Legal Employment (“EAGLE”) Act. Its reforms focus on employment-based green cards, the H-1B visa program, and family-sponsored visas. » Read More

With Pennsylvania’s population decreasing in many areas over the last decade, Lehigh Valley’s population grew more than any other region – primarily among millennials and Gen Zers.

Among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, Lehigh County led in growth among young adults at 12%, and Northampton County came fourth at 8.8%, according to an analysis by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. » Read More

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (“ICE”) have announced the extension of Form I-9 employment eligibility verification policy due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As a precautionary measure, the temporary flexibility guidance set to expire on August 31 is extended effective September 1, 2021. » Read More

The United States is facing severe labor shortages in its agriculture, meatpacking, and poultry industries. In response to the problem, Iowa State Farms, one of the state’s largest pork producers, is pressuring U.S. Senators to allow for a year-round flow of immigrant workers. » Read More

Outdated immigration policies in the United States are causing a dent in the highly intellectual labor market. The top brains, especially from the Indian sub-continent, are getting tired of the long waits for approval of employment-based permanent residence (green cards). Indian talent is looking for more permanent options in Canada. » Read More

On July 15, the Department of Justice announced that it reached a retaliation claim settlement with Around the Clock Dispatch Inc., a freight and delivery services company in Queens Village, New York.

An employee of Around the Clock had filed a charge with the Justice Department’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) to ask for help addressing a concern about the company’s process for an immigration-related employment practice in verifying his work authorization. » Read More

Businesses in busy tourist areas, which count on summer months for the spike in travelers, are struggling to hire sufficient workers to meet their high labor demand. Employers are feeling the slump in workers the hard way, as COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed and most states have fully reopened. » Read More

On June 15, 2021, the Department of Justice announced that it had reached a settlement with Tecon Services Inc. (Tecon), an industrial fireproofing, painting, and insulation contractor from Texas. A naturalized U.S. citizen of Venezuelan origin raised an immigration-related discrimination complaint with the Civil Rights Division, claiming Tecon refused to accept her U.S. » Read More

A.G. Rules in Favor of Victims of Domestic and Gang Violence

On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland rescinded a Trump-era decision that had made it much more difficult for victims of domestic abuse and gang violence to apply for asylum in the United States. » Read More