Even the government is feeling the effects of the recent spike in inflation. In December, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule adjusting certain civil penalties to account for the increasing rate of inflation in 2021. The final rule affects civil penalties from numerous DOJ programs, including employer penalties for certain immigration-related programs. DOJ Adjusts for Inflation According to the Department of Justice, a final READ MORE READ MORE

As the world approaches the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no dispute that its effects have been wide-reaching. The United States continues to experience a labor shortage, spurring debate as to how immigrant labor contributes to this shortage. Labor Shortage in the United States According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), 11 million jobs in the United States are currently unfilled, exceeding the READ MORE READ MORE

The United States is in the midst of a significant labor shortage. In response to the growing demand for labor, the U.S. government recently announced it will expand the number of H-2B visas available for seasonal workers this winter. Although the announcement is hailed by some as necessary, critics suggest the response may be insufficient to meet growing demand. The Modern Labor Shortage Following the economic turmoil READ MORE READ MORE

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) recently announced an extension of the current flexibility associated with Form I-9 compliance. The announcement offers welcome relief to employers still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and comes as the U.S. government considers modification of the rules associated with I-9 verification to provide a permanent solution. What is I-9 Verification? Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification is a standardized form used by READ MORE READ MORE

United States Chamber of Commerce CEO Calls for Doubling Legal Immigration This week, Suzanne Clark, the CEO of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, advocated for the federal government to double the size of legal immigration into the country in order to address widespread worker shortages. During the Chamber’s annual State of American Business address, Ms. Clark also asked for legal relief for undocumented immigrants brought to READ MORE READ MORE