Client Payment Portal

WR Immigration News Digest

Oct 30, 2024 | Immigration Updates

Top News

E-Verify+

USCIS is set to unveil E-Verify+ for employers to have one secure location to store employees’ documentation and I-9 Forms, compare employees’ Form I-9 information against government records, and reduce data entry errors. Currently, E-Verify works with Form I-9 and provides secure 24-hour access, combating document fraud with a unique photo-matching feature. E-Verify+ builds on these benefits by combining Form I-9 and E-Verify to offer more seamless and secure experience to both employees and employers. Link to register for the November 14th E-Verify + National Stakeholder Engagement.

Impact: E-Verify+ will combine Form I-9 and E-Verify into one digital process. There are many benefits for both employers and employees, including increased efficiency, account protection, automation, and more.

Regular I-9 Webinars for Employers; eligible for professional development credits through SHRM and HRCI 

Employers can utilize free Form I-9 trainings and webinars hosted by USCIS several times per month. Free webinars for Form I-9 and E-Verify are eligible for professional development credits through Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Webinars in the month of November are below; please contact your WR Immigration attorney for personalized I-9 training for your company!  

  • Tuesday, Nov. 5: 2pm EST (Document Training) 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: 2pm EST (Form I-9 Overview) 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13: 2pm EST (Document Training) 
  • Thursday, Nov. 14: 11am EST (Form I-9 Overview) 
  • Tuesday, Nov. 19: 11am EST (Form I-9 Overview) 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27: 2pm EST (Form I-9 Overview) 

Impact: Verifying I-9s can be difficult and employers and employees can face serious consequences for I-9 non-compliance. These free webinars can help employers avoid common I-9 issues and non-compliance.

New EB-5 Application Data

WR Immigration’s successful Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request revealed that EB-5 applications for High Unemployment Areas received in Fiscal Year 2023 lead the pack at a 2:1 ratio, well over Rural and other areas. The now released EB-5 application data shows Chinese investors comprised the majority of EB-5 applications, making up 1,368 applications out of 2,431 total (over 56%). Indian investors took the #2 spot with 375 applications (15.4%), and Taiwanese investors trailed at a distant #3 with 175 applications (7.2%). 

Impact: The data shows that demand for EB-5 set-aside visas is still limited, except for countries like China and India resulting in “unused” visas. As a result, applicants from countries like China and India could use these “unused’ visas.

New Jersey Employers Under Scrutiny

On August 8, 2024, New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed a new law that holds companies accountable for weaponizing employees’ immigration status. Employers are prohibited from threatening to disclose or report an employee’s immigration status to immigration authorities as a means of coercion or from covering up labor violations due to immigration status. Noncompliant employers within the state of New Jersey may face administrative penalties and fines up to $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000 depending on the number of violations. 

Impact: This law will protect all workers regardless of immigration status but will directly protect immigrant employees from coercion and intimidation tactics from employers.

Related Posts:

Global Newsletter

In this inaugural edition, find the latest global news on China easing travel restrictions as other countries impose COVID testing on travelers from China, a reminder that Canada now requires employment contracts and notification of rights for foreign workers, an expansion of the Schengen area, and more. China Finally Easing Travel Restrictions as Other Countries Impose COVID Testing on Travelers from China China has finally done away with the requirement that travelers have a PU letter approval from China before being able to request a visa, and has also removed the quarantine requirement for incoming travelers from 9 January 2023. However, as COVID cases in China surge, many countries including the US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Japan and South Korea, are now temporarily requiring negative COVID tests for travelers from China. Back to Top Reminder: Canada Now Requiring Employment Contracts and Notification of Rights for Foreign Workers Significant amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act have impacted ongoing compliance requirements for companies in Canada that employ foreign workers. Although these amendments entered into force in September 2022, we have found that many employers are not aware of the new requirements, so it is important to highlight them as companies […]

Read More

Site Visits & Compliance in 2025 | The Business Immigration Benchmark (040)

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 sat down with WR Immigration Managing Partner Bernard Wolfsdorf to discuss the latest compliance challenges, increased site visits, and what global mobility leaders should prepare for in 2025. With immigration enforcement ramping up under the new administration, ensuring compliance has never been more critical. 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. Increased Site Visits & Audits: Employers should be prepared for heightened scrutiny, including worksite visits by FDNS officers, ICE audits, and I-9 inspections. Having clear internal protocols and training front desk staff on how to handle site visits is crucial. 2. Compliance Best Practices: Bernie emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date I-9s, H-1B public access files, and PERM documentation. Regular internal audits can help identify and correct errors before an inspection occurs. 3. Managing Foreign National Anxiety: With policy changes and increased enforcement, foreign national employees are facing higher uncertainty. Employers should proactively communicate updates, ensure petition […]

Read More