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Past Articles


2016

Why you don’t want to miss the September 19th I-9 Workshop: New Documents, New Questions and Solutions
  • You want employees handling I-9s to engage in regular training
  • You want to establish an I-9 routine and follow it consistently for every employee
  • You need to create a system for tracking dates of hire and termination of employment to purge I-9s from current storage to minimize liability (assuming no actual or threatened government investigation exists or is likely)
  • You want to be prepared and establish policies (in consultation with immigration counsel) for future compliance and ongoing voluntary audits
  • You would enjoy someone else making breakfast for you
Enroll in this workshop and come away better equipped to do all of the above. Contact us today about the I-9 Workshop or click here to sign up. 
 

Ask yourself these questions:
 
Is your company ICE Raid ready? 
Have you implemented the new Form I-9 released on July 17, 2017? 
How about the updated Lists of Acceptable Documents? 
Did you also know that there is a new M-274 Handbook for Employers? 
 
If you did not answer “yes” to each of these questions, GoffWilson’s upcoming I-9 training workshop is the perfect fit for you.  
 
On September 19, 2017, GoffWilson’s I-9 Team will be hosting a training workshop in Concord, NH designed to cover the new Form I-9 and related documents, how to complete the form with multiple identification samples, issue spotting, retention requirements, avoiding discrimination, maintaining compliance, and so much more. Also, for the first time, we will discuss the ICE Raids that are on the rise. Plus, our knowledgable attorneys will be on hand to answer any questions you have.
 
Considering I-9 audits generally are on the rise, employers should be sure they are up to date on using the new Form. With increased fines and penalties taking effect last year, neglecting your company’s I-9 house can be a costly mistake.
 
Contact our office today for more information or sign up here for only $125. The workshop cost includes the proprietary take-home expansive I-9 reference handbook and hot breakfast. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

At the beginning of August, President Donald Trump supported a bill—the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act—that puts immigration squarely in the administration’s targets and would cut the amount of legal immigration in half by 2027. Although the bill has little chance of being passed, as it has already been met with opposition by members of both parties, it paints a clear picture of the Trump administration’s immigration goals, while once again bringing immigration to the forefront of the U.S. consciousness. Despite the unlikelihood of this bill being passed, we believe it’s important to understand the major points of the RAISE Act, and the dramatic effect it could have on United States’ families, businesses, and economy.  
 
Creating a Skill-Based Immigration System
 
Supporters of the RAISE Act tout that it will create a skills-based immigration system, but that could not be further from the truth. In fact, the RAISE Act does nothing to increase the number of visas available for highly skilled immigrants—the number will remain static at 140,000 (including spouses and children); instead, it merely increases the proportional amount of high-skilled visas by eliminating other programs such as family reunification and diversity visas. However, the RAISE Act will change how the U.S. determines who is highly skilled, by instituting a point-based system with points being awarded for everything from age, degree, and English proficiency to having an extraordinary accomplishment such as a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal. 
 
Claims that the RAISE Act will bring the U.S. closer to other merit-based immigration systems like Canada’s and Australia’s are also overblown. While it’s true that Canada and Australia favor high-skilled immigration over family members, both systems admit far more immigrants than the U.S. For example, according to the Cato Institute, for the RAISE Act to mirror Australia's “skills-based immigration system then it would have to increase employment-based immigration to about 852,000 annually—an 11.4-fold increase.”
 
Restrict Family Reunification 
 
Today, legal permanent U.S. residents can sponsor spouses, minor children, unmarried adult children, and siblings. As a result, two-thirds of all immigrants achieve legal status through family ties, either as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or as family-sponsored preferences. Under the RAISE Act, the prioritization of unmarried adult children, as well as siblings, will cease. In addition, a cap of 88,000 admissions per year will be placed on family-based admissions. While this may seem like a large number, under the current visa system, we allow 480,000 and there is still a huge back log for visas.
 
Supporters of the RAISE Act argue that highly skilled individuals should be prioritized over family members, yet the RAISE Act does nothing to redistribute family visas to the highly skilled—it only eliminates qualifying people from this visa. Furthermore, critics argue that people with families already established in the U.S. are in the best position to integrate and contribute to the U.S. 
 
Eliminate the Diversity Visa
 
The diversity visa program, sometimes called the green card lottery, makes 50,000 visas available annually to people from countries from which fewer than 50,000 people have immigrated to the U.S. over the previous five years. The visa lottery winners are chosen at random, having to meet a few minor benchmarks, such as having no criminal history, a high school education, and certain financial requirements. The DV Lottery represents a very small fraction of the U.S.’s immigrant intake. For example, 50,000 diversity immigrants seems miniscule when you consider that, in 2015, about 550,000 people immigrated to the U.S. and 11 million temporary visas were given out. Most importantly, defenders of the diversity visa program believe it serves to offer the hope and opportunity of the American dream to people across the world, regardless of education, religion, or region, and helps the United States remain the world’s melting pot. 
 
Cuts Back On Refugees 
 
The RAISE Act will also cap refugee resettlement at 50,000 people per year, putting a firm limit on a program that had formerly been at the discretion of the President. It also is far below former President Barack Obama’s proposed goal of resettling 110,000 refugees annually. 
 
Restricting the admission of refugees will put the U.S. further behind its European counterparts when it comes to resettling one of the world’s most vulnerable groups. According to the BBC, in 2015 Germany approved 140,910 asylum applications, France approved 20,630, and Sweden approved 32,215. Now consider that the approximate populations of those counties when compared to the 320 million people in the United States: 82 million people in Germany, 66 million people in France, and 10 million people in Sweden. These countries are not only taking in a higher percentage of refugees compared to their population—they are taking a leadership position in refugee resettlement while the U.S. takes a backseat.     
 
The Takeaway 
 
The RAISE Act does little to benefit the United States, and the truth is that many of the proposed changes are more likely to have a negative outcome than a positive one. Numerous studies have shown the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. workforce, job creation, and economy as a whole. As native-born employees begin to age out of the workforce, immigrants are crucial to filling the vacant positions, as well as taking care of an older population. In addition, the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants in the U.S. has been a valuable contributor to the growth of the U.S. economy, as we have written many times in our blawgs, Pulse articles, and Medium pieces. 
 
GoffWilson 
 
GoffWilson exclusively practices immigration law throughout the US, and for the last thirty years we’ve championed the important and vital role immigrants play in the fabric of the nation. From helping families come to the U.S. in search of a better life to helping employers gain access to the global talent pool and helping businesses put down roots in the U.S., GoffWilson has been a proud partner in the journey. Contact GoffWilson today to learn how we can help your family or business successfully live in the US. 
 

Late yesterday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would release a new Form I-9 and accompanying instruction handbook (M-274) on July 17th. The release of the new Form comes on the heels of the current I-9, which just took effect on January 22nd. Employers will only have until September 17th to implement the updated Form I-9.  
 
The significant changes to the I-9 are not within the Form itself, but within the Lists of Acceptable Documents. List C is getting a major overhaul, with every item being affected except for the social security card. This is due to the addition of a new acceptable document: the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). Previously, employers were only able to accept Forms FS-545 and DS-1350 for Form I-9 purposes. Employers will need to re-familiarize themselves with List C to ensure proper Form I-9 completion, as well as continued non-discriminatory hiring practices.
 
Starting September 18th, employers will face fines and penalties for continuing to use older versions of the Form. I-9 Audits are on the rise, and employers can expect audits will continue to increase to ensure employers are using the new Form as mandated. Non-compliant companies will be subject to the current U.S. Department of Justice increased fee schedule, which was previously discussed in our August 23rd bLAWg post. Employers are encouraged to seek I-9 training to verify Forms are being properly completed and maintained. Internal audits can also help to reduce fines before the government auditor comes knocking.
 
GoffWilson has extensive experience with Form I-9 training workshops and audit compliance services. Our next scheduled training will take place in September 2017 in Concord, NH. Contact our office today to sign up, or if you would like more information on an internal I-9 audit for your organization. We look forward to hearing from you!


The U.S.’s medically underserved communities and foreign-born doctors received good news today, as the  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, starting June 26, they’ll resume premium processing for all H-1B petitions filed for medical doctors under the Conrad 30 Waiver program, as well as interested government agency waivers.

 

The Conrad 30 program plays a major role in the U.S. healthcare system, as it allows certain medical doctors to stay in the United States on temporary visas after completing their medical training to work in rural and urban areas with physician shortages. The USCIS's Acting Director James McCament said of the news, “this program improves health care access for Americans living in underserved areas, and we are pleased to resume premium processing for these petitions.”


Starting June 26, eligible petitioners for medical doctors seeking H-1B status under the Conrad 30 program, or through an interested government agency waiver, can file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Form I-907 can be filed together with an H-1B petition or separately for a pending H-1B petition.   


The USCIS also announced it plans to resume premium processing of other H-1B petitions as workloads permit. Follow our bLAWg to stay up to date on the latest on the H-1B visa and other immigration news.

 

If you have questions about what the resumption of premium processing for petitions Under the Conrad 30 Waiver Program means for you, or need assistance ensuring your paperwork is correctly filed, contact GoffWilson. GoffWilson focuses exclusively on immigration law, and has  extensive experience with both the Conrad 30 Waiver Program and the H-1B Visa, and can make sure your petition is filed correctly, allowing you to once again take advantage of this important service.




On May 17, 2017, a settlement agreement between Pasco Processing, LLC and Washington Potato Company and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) was formalized pertaining to discrimination of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). The matter began back in December 2014, when the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section opened an investigation against the processing facility. Through its investigation, the OSC determined that the processing facility had engaged in a pattern of discrimination through unfair documentary practices between November 1, 2013 and October 16, 2016. Specifically, the processing facility required LPRs to present specific documents during the Form I-9 completion process. In other words, the processing facility treated these non-U.S. citizens differently based upon their citizenship/immigration status.


During the Form I-9 completion process, an employer cannot require an employee to produce specific documentation, no matter their immigration or citizenship status. The employee is permitted to choose any document or combination of documents specified in the “Lists of Acceptable Documents” attached to the Form I-9. If an employee produces acceptable documents, the employer cannot request additional documents to verify employment eligibility, so long as the documents appear genuine on their face. As the processing facility did not follow this protocol, it now has to pay $225,750 in civil penalties, pursuant to the settlement agreement with the OSC.


This case is an example of how the actions of Human Resources personnel related to the Form I-9 verification process can affect the entire organization. If you do not want to find your organization under the close watch of the government, you need to ensure that all individuals responsible for Form I-9 completion have thorough knowledge and solid understanding of the process’ requirements and limitations.


GoffWilson offers personalized Form I-9 training depending on an organization’s needs. On our website, you can find a downloadable I-9 Retention Worksheet, Completion Timeline, Acceptable Document List, and more.  Check it out here. Contact our office today for more I-9 information. We are here to help!


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on May 24, 2017 that it has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti for 6 months, starting July 23, 2017 and ending January 22, 2018. In order for a current TPS employee to continue to work in the U.S. after July 22, 2017, they must file a renewal application between May 24, 2017 and July 24, 2017. If the renewal application is timely filed, the employee will have a 180-day extension on his/her employment authorization document (i.e. EAD card), which will bring the expiration of the card to January 18, 2018.


For Form I-9 purposes, an employer can accept the expired EAD card, along with an I-797C receipt notice for the renewal application, as a combination List A document. The employee’s work authorization will have to be re-verified once they receive their new EAD card, or by January 18, 2018, whichever occurs sooner.


Not sure how to properly complete Form I-9 for your TPS employee? GoffWilson is here to help! We specialize in a variety of I-9 services for employers, including individualized tutorials and internal audits. Contact our office for more information.

 


On May 1, 2017, a new guidance on the role and use of interpreters in domestic field office interviews will go into effect. The intent of the guidance is to ensure that those who bring interpreters to certain types of interviews are getting competent language assistance, a situation that we most commonly encounter in family-based applications such as status adjustments.


Along with the new guidance, the USCIS will also introduce a new form—Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview—which needs to be signed by both the interviewee and the interpreter in the presence of a USCIS officer before the interview. The form states that the interpreter must accurately, literally, and fully interpret for both the interviewee and the interviewing officer. It also serves as a reminder that personal information may be disclosed during the interview, and whatever is heard during the interview should remain confidential.


The new guidance also seeks to increase the consistency in interpreted interviews by establishing basic standards for interpreters. According to the new guidance, interpreters should be fluent in both English and the interviewee’s language, and able to competently translate between the two. Further, interpreters should be able to interpret impartially and without bias.


In an effort to better define who can serve as an interpreter, the guidance offers restrictions on those who can serve in the role. To serve as an interpreter, a person must be 18 years of age or older; however, in some cases, exceptions will be made for individuals between 14 and 17 years old. There will be no exemptions made for individuals under 14. Also restricted from serving as an interpreter are witnesses, but, once again, there are some instances where an exception may be made. Lastly, the interviewee’s attorneys or accredited representatives are not permitted to act as interpreters.


If a USCIS officer determines that an interpreter doesn’t fit the requirement or is restricted, the interpreter will be disqualified. In the event of a disqualification, the applicant may continue the interview using a qualified interpreter or reschedule the interview so they can bring a qualified interpreter. They may also choose to continue with the interview without an interpreter if the applicant and officer can communicate effectively in English.


Immigration rules and laws are changing rapidly, and it’s important to have someone familiar with the ins and outs of immigration on your side. At GoffWilson, our focus is solely on immigration law, and we’ve handled a multitude of cases like this over the years. If you have a question about an upcoming interview with the USCIS, contact us today. Immigration is what we do.  



On May 1, 2017, a new guidance on the role and use of interpreters in domestic field office interviews will go into effect. The intent of the guidance is to ensure that those who bring interpreters to certain types of interviews are getting competent language assistance, a situation that we most commonly encounter in family-based applications such as status adjustments. 
 
Along with the new guidance, the USCIS will also introduce a new form—Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview—which needs to be signed by both the interviewee and the interpreter in the presence of a USCIS officer before the interview. The form states that the interpreter must accurately, literally, and fully interpret for both the interviewee and the interviewing officer. It also serves as a reminder that personal information may be disclosed during the interview, and whatever is heard during the interview should remain confidential. 
 
The new guidance also seeks to increase the consistency in interpreted interviews by establishing basic standards for interpreters. According to the new guidance, interpreters should be fluent in both English and the interviewee’s language, and able to competently translate between the two. Further, interpreters should be able to interpret impartially and without bias. 
 
In an effort to better define who can serve as an interpreter, the guidance offers restrictions on those who can serve in the role. To serve as an interpreter, a person must be 18 years of age or older; however, in some cases, exceptions will be made for individuals between 14 and 17 years old. There will be no exemptions made for individuals under 14. Also restricted from serving as an interpreter are witnesses, but, once again, there are some instances where an exception may be made. Lastly, the interviewee’s attorneys or accredited representatives are not permitted to act as interpreters. 
 
If a USCIS officer determines that an interpreter doesn’t fit the requirement or is restricted, the interpreter will be disqualified. In the event of a disqualification, the applicant may continue the interview using a qualified interpreter or reschedule the interview so they can bring a qualified interpreter. They may also choose to continue with the interview without an interpreter if the applicant and officer can communicate effectively in English. 
 
Immigration rules and laws are changing rapidly, and it’s important to have someone familiar with the ins and outs of immigration on your side. At GoffWilson, our focus is solely on immigration law, and we’ve handled a multitude of cases like this over the years. If you have a question about an upcoming interview with the USCIS, contact us today. Immigration is what we do.  
 


On April 19, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (i.e. green cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards) on May 1st. The redesigned cards will feature the individual’s photo on both sides of the card, no longer display the person’s signature, and the permanent resident card will no longer have an optical stripe on the back enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features. Both cards will also omit the holder’s signature.


Employers should note that both the redesigned cards and the previously-issued cards can be used for Form I-9 purposes through their respective expiration dates. Therefore, it is important to examine the differences of each and familiarize yourself with them. This will ensure that you are not wrongfully rejecting a valid document in the future.


USCIS also announced this week that the updated Form I-9, released on November 14, 2016, contained a software error in the social security number section. For forms downloaded between November 14th and 17th that were completed on a computer, the social security numbers could appear transposed on the form. Employers should review any Forms I-9 completed during this window (or with a form downloaded during this window) to verify that the employee’s social security number appears correct. If the digits were transposed, you should have your employee draw a line through the incorrect number and enter the correct number underneath the section. Then, the employee should initial and date the change. In addition, you should include a written explanation with the Form I-9 regarding the reason for the correction.


We have seen that I-9 Audits are on the rise and employers should take action now to ensure properly completed forms are on file. Non-compliant companies can expect hefty fines due to the August 1, 2016 U.S. Department of Justice fee increase, which was previously discussed in our August 23, 2016 bLAWg post.


If you are contacted by the Immigration Service seeking to review your I-9s, call us! GoffWilson offers I-9 training in public and private settings several times throughout the year. Contact our office today and put your mind at ease and to sign up for our next session. It’s what we do.
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