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

In Philadelphia, a new worker-owned collective, Masa Cooperativa, uses indigenous corn to create authentic corn masa to sell to local restaurants. But this collective is not unique; it is just one example of a new trend. Across the United States, undocumented entrepreneurs are increasingly creating their own businesses where they can earn a living despite lacking legal work status. Work Authorization in the United States For many READ MORE 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. (“LVEDC”). Additionally, Lehigh and Northampton counties were READ MORE READ MORE

On Friday, May 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a notice clarifying to employers that they cannot reverify Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who presented evidence of permanent residence status that was unexpired at the time of the employee’s initial Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, regardless of later expiration. While employers were never required to reverify LPRs, there has long lacked specific instruction on this, leading many READ MORE READ MORE