Last Updated on February 23, 2023
Since the start of 2017, immigration has been under the microscope of the current White House administration. Deportations have increased by 38 percent since the same time last year, and budget shifts are further proof that scrutinizing immigration practices is a priority for the Trump administration. There have been a number of immigration policy changes since January on the immigration front – so many, in fact, it seems like there’s (still) something new happening every day.
Companies with immigration policies are now looking over their shoulders – from increased attention to H-1B and L-1 visa holders to a new public database with corporate immigration information published by USCIS.
H-1B visa under scrutiny
The changes to immigration policy and executive orders during the first half of 2017 have largely targeted the H-1B visa. One of the most popular skilled-work visas is now one of the most carefully scrutinized. Still, it’s not the only visa that’s been on the government’s radar this year. The TN visa, a visa founded on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has also been called into question.
Noncompliance is a risk
Compliance has never been more of a priority. Now that the government’s attention is focused on corporate immigration, there are few risks greater than inaction. Companies wondering how the new policies are going to impact them should start by performing a self-audit. Why wait to get caught with noncompliant employees when you can check to ensure you’re acting in full compliance with U.S. immigration law now and avoid the spotlight?
Understand what has changed in U.S. immigration policy and you’ll be taking the first step toward making sure you stay compliant. The risks of noncompliance are too great for companies to be reactive. Instead, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to immigration in an age of political volatility.
