What Pending DHS Rule Could Mean for Visa-Related Fees

Consider writing about:

The possibility of higher immigration costs for employers who take part in the H-1B visa program; type of fees at issue; employers or circumstances to which these could apply; where the pending Department of Homeland Security rule stands now; potential timeline for finalization and implementation; what else employers may need to know about their obligations, and workforce impacts, under this proposed rule.

Related information:

https://www.newsweek.com/h-1b-visa-renewal-change-could-cost-companies-millions-12291145

How New USCIS Policy Could Affect Immigration Benefit Requests

Consider writing about:

A policy update issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Aug. 5; what this change means for the handling of immigration benefit requests; practical pointers for employers and foreign national workers on preparing immigration filings in a way that could maximize their chances of success.

Related information:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-reduce-frivolous-immigration-benefits-requests-by-reinforcing-evidence-standards

Open AI, Subsidiary to Pay $3M Over Hiring of Foreign Workers

Consider writing about:

A $3.2 million settlement that OpenAI and a subsidiary will pay over allegations that the two companies favored foreign workers over U.S. citizens when hiring; key points of the Immigration and Nationality Act at issue in this case; employers’ obligations according to the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process; related enforcement actions and trends involving alleged hiring-related discrimination against U.S. citizens.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/civil-rights-division-secures-settlement-openai-discriminating-against-us-workers

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/civil-rights-division-sues-cloudera-excluding-us-workers-applying-high-paying-technology

Meta Sued Over Allegedly Discriminatory Use of AI Tools in Conducting Mass Layoffs

Consider writing about:

A novel lawsuit by more than two dozen former Meta employees over the company’s use of AI-powered software to select candidates for mass layoffs; claims involving alleged bias or other violations of state and federal laws; how the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and related rights and protections enter into this case; what other employers should be considering regarding their own layoff processes, accommodation obligations, and use of AI tools as the case against Meta progresses.

New Colorado Law Shows Data Disclosure Requirements Are a Moving Target for Employers

Consider writing about:

A recently passed Colorado law that sets workforce demographic reporting requirements for entities doing business in that state; when the reporting requirement takes effect; businesses to whom the new law applies; how the Colorado law compares to current or prior federal reporting requirements; what other states have laws similar to Colorado’s; whether additional states have recently passed, or are considering, new demographic reporting requirements in the wake of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposal to jettison its own longstanding requirement; how employers across the country should be approaching their data collection practices amid evolving disclosure requirements.

Related information:

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1207

Refund Lessons From Pandemic-Related Lawsuits Against Educational Institutions Over Tuition, Student Fees

Consider writing about:

Lawsuits that were filed against educational institutions in response to pandemic-era shifts in class instruction; what to know about the outcome of these lawsuits; whether any significant lawsuits are still working their way through the courts; how those cases may have educational insitutions rethinking their tuitiion, fee, and refund policies; how educational institutions can best plan for another major disruption to their customary operations.