Tag Archives: DHS

New OPT Rule for STEM Grads – Some Good, Some Not So Good?

Ver la versión en español aquí For the last several months, foreign students in F-1 status and potential employers have been living in limbo. A federal district court invalidated the Department of Homeland Security’s rules providing additional time in Optional Practical Training for STEM graduates (graduates with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math).  The … Continue Reading

H-2B Update

Ver la versión en español aquí Yesterday, we posted about the current suspension of the H-2B temporary, unskilled worker program. After we posted, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will resume adjudications of H-2B petitions, but will continue to suspend premium processing on H-2B petitions until further notice. DHS will resume adjudicating … Continue Reading

USCIS Extends Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador

Ver la versión en español aquí Employment Authorization Documents Automatically Extended The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently extended the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador for a period of eighteen (18) months, until September 9, 2016. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries … Continue Reading

Immigration – Vegas Style!

Ver la versión en español aquí It is that time of year again. The U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa Program opened at noon on October 1 and will close on November 3, also at noon. For those not in the know, the Diversity Visa Program is an annual lottery open to nationals of countries … Continue Reading

Does Data Mining Tip the Balance Against E-Verify?

Ver la versión en español aquí E-Verify is an online application that allows participating employers to verify electronically the employment eligibility of new hires.  It is jointly operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). To participate in E-Verify, an employer must sign a multi-page Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with … Continue Reading

E-Verify Up and Running

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued the following notice regarding E-Verify and the impact of the government shutdown: E-Verify has resumed operations following the federal government shutdown. All E-Verify features and services are now available. The following information addresses questions on how the federal government’s shutdown affected E-Verify and Form I-9. Information For Employers … Continue Reading

DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Eligible Salvadorans

Following the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain nationals of Nicaragua and Honduras, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the program for El Salvadorans.  Currently, TPS status for qualifying El Salvadoran nationals expires on September 9, 2013.  With the extension, Temporary Protected Status for eligible El Salvadoran nationals is extended through March … Continue Reading

USCIS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Certain Haitian Nationals – EADs Automatically Extended

On October 1, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the Temporary Protected Status designation for Haiti for a period of eighteen (18) months, until July 22, 2014. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries because the country has experienced temporary negative conditions, such as … Continue Reading

DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Certain El Salvadorans

On January 11, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register extending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain El Salvadoran nationals in the United States.  Currently, TPS status for qualifying El Salvadoran nationals expires on March 9, 2012.  With the extension, Temporary Protected Status for eligible El Salvadoran … Continue Reading

Halloween Horrors for Employers

Are you allowing your employees to dress up as ghosts, goblins and ghouls this Halloween?  Celebrating Halloween in the workplace is a “treat” but employers should be aware of the risks.  Here are some “real life” workplace horror stories: Religious Discrimination: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) sued a company for firing an employee, who … Continue Reading

Southern Hospitality Welcomes E-Verify: Tennessee and Alabama Governors Sign Laws Mandating Use of E-Verify

  Tennessee and Alabama joined the growing list of states requiring certain employers within the state to use E-Verify when hiring new workers.  The Alabama law broad implications for individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States.  Below, we will highlight the aspects of the statutes that impact employers doing business in Tennessee and … Continue Reading
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