Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
How Will Immigration Reform Impact the Business Community?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: November 6, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
As Congress continues to debate how best to overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws, small businesses are understandably concerned about how immigration reform will impact them.
While much of the attention is focused on addressing undocumented aliens and tightening border security, several proposals would directly impact the business community:
Wider availability of green cards
The proposal would eliminate visa caps for several categories, including highly skilled and exceptionally talented workers and workers who obtain advanced degrees at U.S. universities in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM). These changes would make it easier for employers to hire qualified applicants from outside of the United States.
New types of work visas
The proposal also creates several new types of visas geared towards foreign investors and entrepreneurs. For instance, the X visa, a nonimmigrant investor visa, would be available for entrepreneurs whose ventures have attracted at least $100,000 in investment, or have created three jobs and produced $250,000 in annual revenue.
Work authorizations for undocumented workers
Under the proposed law, undocumented immigrants would be able to apply for Registered Provisional Immigrant (RPI) status and work authorization, provided they meet certain requirements. They include residency in the U.S. since December 31, 2011 and a relatively clean criminal record. Undocumented workers must also pay outstanding taxes, satisfy background checks and pay a financial penalty.
Mandatory use of E-Verify
The law would eventually require all employers to use E-Verify, an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
As for what employers can do now, make sure you are using the most current version of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The document was recently updated in March and should feature an expiration date of March 31, 2016.
If you have any questions about the immigration proposals or would like to discuss how they may impact your business, please contact me, Peter Yarem, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Author: George McGowan
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Author: George McGowan
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.