U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have expanded their collaboration to share information and scrutinize employers who sponsor employees for visas and green cards.
On a monthly basis, USCIS’ Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) and DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) will share:
- Employer names and addresses.
- Immigration benefits of workers tied to employers.
- Personal information used to identify foreign nationals holding employment-based visas.
- Any other data or records that help identify misuse of employment-based visas or violations of immigration laws and regulations.
The move is USCIS’ latest response to implementing President Trump’s “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which was issued last year. That order seeks to restrict immigration and work permits to create higher wages and employment rates among U.S. workers.
Site Visits
Part of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS has increased visits to employers where H-1B and L-1 visa holders work. USCIS has also increased site visits to employers that file a religious worker petition on behalf of a foreign national.
Under the Trump administration, employers must make sure they are and remain in compliance with immigration laws and regulations. Previously, I discussed recommendations for employers to help ensure compliance—and prepare for possible site visits.
We Can Help
The Alcorn Immigration Law team assists employers with internal audits of immigration documents. We can educate you and your management team about responsibilities to employees and help create clear internal policies on responding to a raid or notice of review. Contact us.
