Client Payment Portal

Corporate Roundtable Highlights: Chicago 2025 | The Business Immigration Benchmark (043)

Mar 26, 2025 | Immigration Updates

By Laura Bloniarz

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more!

In this week’s episode of The Business Immigration Benchmark, I recap key insights from our recent in-person Benchmarking Collective roundtable in Chicago. The event brought together global mobility professionals to discuss pressing industry challenges, including compliance strategies, cost management, and dependent support.

For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Compliance & Preparedness:

  • I-9 Audits: A top priority for attendees, as government inspections increase in 2025. Companies are conducting internal audits to identify and correct compliance gaps before they become issues.
  • Public Access & PERM File Audits: While these audits are typically complaint-driven, organizations are reviewing their processes to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
  • Foreign National Travel Compliance: Employers are focusing on proactive communication regarding U.S. consular guidance, travel best practices, and remote work policies.

2. Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Town halls have proven to be an effective method for educating foreign national employees on compliance expectations, visa policies, and travel documentation requirements.
  • Companies with liberal remote work policies are ensuring IT security and legal compliance by developing structured approval frameworks for international work arrangements.

3. Cost Management & Dependent Support:

  • Most companies continue to support dependent fees, particularly for relocation cases.
  • Organizations are taking a more transparent approach to cost-sharing, particularly regarding premium processing fees. Some companies are eliminating company-funded premium processing but encouraging employees to cover costs if needed.

4. PERM Program Challenges & Risk Management:

  • Companies that have undergone recent restructuring are navigating increased scrutiny in PERM filings, especially in light of the administration’s focus on U.S. worker protections.
  • Some organizations are exploring alternative strategies, such as international rotations or EB-1 multinational manager sponsorship, to mitigate risks associated with the labor market test.

My Parting Thoughts

The Chicago roundtable reinforced how global mobility teams are adapting to compliance pressures, cost constraints, and evolving workforce policies. As we continue these discussions, it’s clear that benchmarking and peer collaboration remain essential tools for navigating 2025’s challenges.

If you have insights or strategies you’d like to share, feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or submit a question here!

Related Posts:

Mastering HR: Immigration to Change Management | The Business Immigration Benchmark (039)

By Laura Bloniarz Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more! In this week’s episode of The Business Immigration Benchmark, I had the pleasure of speaking with J Leigh Tarzian, PHR, SHRM-SCP, an experienced HR generalist, about how HR teams support immigration programs while managing a broad range of responsibilities. Leigh shared her perspective on navigating complex HR challenges, leveraging networks, and ensuring compliance in today’s evolving workplace. For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities. Key Takeaways: 1. The Role of an HR Generalist in Immigration: Leigh emphasized that while HR generalists are not solely focused on immigration, they play a crucial role in managing cases, working with legal counsel, and ensuring compliance. The ability to ask thoughtful questions, connect with the right experts, and stay informed is key to success. 2. Balancing Priorities in a Fast-Paced HR Environment: With HR covering everything from compliance to employee relations, Leigh shared how effective prioritization and clear communication help manage competing deadlines. She highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and using technology to stay […]

Read More

WR Immigration News Digest

DOJ Signals Shift Towards Denaturalization and Local Immigration Enforcement On June 11, 2025, the DOJ Civil Division outlined new enforcement priorities under the Trump administration that could affect employers and sponsored talent. The memo emphasizes increased civil denaturalization efforts, particularly in cases involving alleged misrepresentation during the immigration or naturalization process. While certain categories are prioritized, the DOJ retains discretion to pursue cases beyond those listed. The memo also signals a renewed focus on challenging state and local “sanctuary” policies that the DOJ views as conflicting with federal immigration law. Impact: These shifts may lead to increased legal exposure for naturalized employees and heightened scrutiny in jurisdictions with sanctuary protections, prompting mobility teams to assess risk, revisit past filings, and support affected employees proactively. Court Blocks Early Termination of TPS for Haiti On July 1, 2025, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti ahead of schedule. Just days earlier, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced that TPS for nearly 500,000 Haitian nationals would end on August 3, 2025, with termination effective September 2. Citing improved country conditions and national interest concerns, DHS had urged Haitian nationals to prepare for […]

Read More