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

Outrage Following Reallocation of Millions in the Excluded N.J. Funds In a move that has left many immigrants and immigration advocates stunned and angry, New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, has reallocated approximately $34 million of the $50 million from the federally-funded Excluded New Jerseyans Fund – which is dedicated to providing pandemic assistance to those who were exempted from the initial stimulus checks, including thousands of undocumented READ MORE READ MORE

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) recently issued policy guidance to clarify how to determine the appropriate visa classification for persons of extraordinary ability in the arts. Given the massive changes in the entertainment industry in the past year, including the increasing popularity of internet and streaming services, this guidance provides essential insight for those seeking to understand the nuances of O-1B nonimmigrant visas and determine 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