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USCIS Updates amid the Covid-19 pandemic

March 31, 2020

USCIS to Continue Processing Applications for Employment Authorization Extension Requests Despite Application Support Center Closures The USCIS issued this statement on Monday: “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it will reuse previously submitted biometrics in order to process valid Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, extension requests due to the temporary closure of…

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Unemployment Claims during the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 31, 2020

Under the new CARES Act signed into law on Friday, March 28, 2020 unemployment benefits were expanded to provide assistance for more workers than are usually eligible for unemployment benefits (this includes self-employed people and part-time workers).  In addition to state benefits, the Act also provides workers an extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits.…

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The CARES Act – Which businesses will qualify for a Small Business Administration Loan?

March 26, 2020

The CARES Act has officially passed in the Senate and a vote is expected in the House on Friday, March 27th. If the Bill is signed into law as expected, $350 billion will be dedicated to preventing layoffs and business closures while workers stay home during the outbreak. Companies with 500 employees or fewer that…

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COVID-19 “CARES Act” bipartisan stimulus package being finalized in Congress will help small businesses

March 26, 2020

In the early morning on March 25, 2020, the White House and Senate finally reached an agreement on a $2 trillion package to respond to the current economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though a deal has been struck on the key points of the Bill, many details are still being finalized. However, a few…

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COVID-19 and the Force Majeure

March 24, 2020

The current pandemic brought on by the COVID-19 virus has impacted supply chains; the ability to move around freely; and in some cases has shut down manufacturing entirely. Government actions including declaring states of emergency, closing borders and shelter in place orders may be the types of events that often fall within the parameters of Force…

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USCIS accepting reproduced signatures now

March 21, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on Friday March 20, 2020 that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 National Emergency announced by President Trump on March 13, 2020, they will accept all benefit forms and documents with reproduced original signatures. This includes the Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, for submissions dated March 21, 2020, and…

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What is legal? Corona virus and HR law

March 19, 2020

Employment Issues 1. Can an employer stop an employee from wearing a medical mask or respirator? An employer may stop an employee, under most circumstances, from wearing a medical mask or respirator under OSHA respiratory protection standards. See 29 C.F.R. 1910.134. A respirator must be provided to employees only when necessary to protect the employee’s…

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3 Key Points for Employers re: Families First Coronavirus Response Act

March 17, 2020

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the bill that was drafted in coordination with the Executive branch and is currently before the U.S. Senate for final approval. Here are 3 Key Takeaways about proposed revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) for Employers: 1.    FMLA has been amended to provide coverage to employees working…

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