United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) made significant changes to the “Handbook for Employers: Guidance Completing Form I-9.” Form I-9 itself was updated on October 21, 2019. » Read More

A recent report analyzing “the experiences of low-wage immigrant workers and families in New Jersey during the first month of the COVID-19 crisis,” found that “immigrant communities have experienced extreme harm” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes limited access to health care services, no unemployment compensation, and pervasive employer conduct—all of which have led to increased anxiety, insecurity, and COVID-19 infection spread in immigrant communities. » Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded the eligibility of American employees for employment-related benefits, including medical leave and unemployment compensation. As the Norris McLaughlin employment law blog, Norris in the Workplace, first reported, President Donald Trump, on March 18, 2020, signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), “which provides paid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and paid sick leave for absences resulting from COVID-19.” » Read More

On April 15, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with the support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced a temporary final rule changing certain H-2A visa requirements. This rule will enable U.S. agriculture employers to continue employing lawful-related employment. » Read More

Sixty former workers of Load Trail, a leading trailer manufacturing business, have filed a class-action suit against the business for failure to pay for the overtime work. » Read More

Last month, the New York City Commission on Human Rights (“NYCCHR”) adopted enforcement guidance on its prohibition of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived “alienage and citizenship status” and “national origin.” The NYCCHR highlighted the following demographics of our city’s melting pot:

• Approximately 3.2

Yesterday Ray Lahoud, Chair of our Immigration Law Group, spoke on Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification at our in-house lunch and learn, “Are You I-9 Compliant?”

Ray spoke to a crowd of HR Professionals, business owners, management, and administrators from several organizations and companies. » Read More

Raymond G. Lahoud, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Chair of its Immigration Practice Group, presented “The (Hidden) Lucrative Intersections of Immigration Law and the Real Estate Industry” at the Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Expo today at the Atlantic City Convention Center. » Read More

ICE Arrests More Than 100 During Company Raid in Ohio

This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officers raided Corso’s Flower and Garden Center in Castalia, Ohio, arresting over 100 company employees who are alleged to be in the United States without documentation.  » Read More

In a surprise morning raid yesterday, hundreds of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents descended upon an Ohio gardening and landscaping company and arrested over 100 of the landscaping company’s employees, who were determined to be employed in the United States without lawful authorization. » Read More