By KoKo Huang

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it is extending Form I-9 compliance flexibility. As previously detailed, on March 19, 2020 DHS began allowing certain employers to defer the physical presence requirement of I-9 documentation inspection and temporarily allowed electronic or remote I-9 documentation review. These provisions were

By KoKo Huang

On April 22, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order limiting immigration, temporarily blocking entry into the United States of certain foreign nationals currently outside of the United States seeking U.S. permanent residency. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 23, 2020, and will be in effect for at least 60 days. Importantly, the order does not apply to temporary workers, such as those with H-1B, H-2B, L-1, or TN visa status. The limitation only applies to individuals who are outside of the United States, do not have valid immigrant visas issued before the effective date of the order, and do not otherwise have official travel documents other than an immigrant visa issued before the effective date of the order.

By KoKo Huang

On April 20, 2020, President Trump stated that he would temporarily suspend immigration into the United States. Trump made the following statement on Twitter: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an

Authored by KoKo Huang

Companies affected by COVID-19 must carefully consider immigration implications for all foreign national and expat employees, including issues of immigration compliance. Those businesses with employees working in the United States with temporary work authorization or with employees working abroad should evaluate the rapidly evolving restrictions on international travel and the potential impact on employees’ immigration status. Furthermore, businesses must consider the effects of lockdowns, closures, and remote work on document verification and case processing, as well as other procedures. If employers intend on conducting layoffs, furloughs, or hours reductions, they should take caution with their H-1B, E-3, and H-1B1 classified employees. Companies must also carefully consider the ramifications of employment termination for their employees’ immigration status.