U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will commence implementing new enhanced security measures for all air carriers with international flights to the U.S.  The new security procedures, first announced on April 2, 2010, have been described as “more flexible” and “tailored to reflect the most […]

If you have employees who perform work in Miami-Dade County, beware! Miami-Dade has become the first county in the United States prohibiting “Wage Theft,” making it easier for employees to sue their employer for unpaid wages. The Wage Theft Ordinance applies to all private employers who do business in Miami-Dade County. According to the Ordinance, […]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“USCBP”) reminds travelers from Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure, that on March 21, 2010, they will not be allowed to board a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship without an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”). ESTA is […]

April 1, 2010, is the first day the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will begin accepting H-1B petitions filed on behalf of nonimmigrant workers for the 2011 fiscal year (“FY 2011”) starting October 1, 2010. The H-1B visa classification is for temporary employment of foreign professionals in specialty occupations, including but not limited […]

On February 3, 2010, the Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a Final Rule (“Final Rule”) to add part 548, the Belarus Sanctions Regulations (the “Regulations”) to Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations and implement Executive Order 13405, “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus” (the “Executive Order”). The Executive Order was issued by President […]

On February 5, 2010, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a Final Rule (“Final Rule”) that significantly expands the information sharing program of Section 314(a) of the USA Patriot Act (the “314(a) Rule”) and allows certain foreign law enforcement agencies as well as State and local law enforcement agencies (investigating terrorist activities or money […]

On January 11, 2010, in a statement made by U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services’ (“USCIS”) Director, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, it was announced that USCIS has realigned its organizational structure in order to reflect its new emphasis on the agency’s critical responsibilities regarding fraud detection. One of the most significant changes is the creation of a Fraud […]

In U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (“USCIS”) response to a letter sent by U.S. Senator Charles Grassley inquiring about aspects of the H-1B visa program and USCIS’ efforts to combat fraud in the program, USCIS announced that, among other measures, it plans to expand its Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (“ASVVP”) up to 25,000 […]

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the issuance of Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 1,000 employers across the U.S. whose businesses are connected to public safety and national security on November 19, 2009. The NOIs alert business owners that ICE will audit their hiring records to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws. Specifically, […]