Visa Services Expand, Border Crossings Plummet
The immigration landscape continues to evolve, with significant changes in visa services and border policies. The U.S. Embassy in Havana has broadened its visa offerings, now including certain temporary work and exchange program visas for Cuban applicants. Meanwhile, the southern border has seen a dramatic decrease in illegal crossings, with August numbers dropping by more than 50% since new asylum restrictions were implemented in June.
The PERM Takeaway: Streamlined visa services mean faster processing times for employment-based visas, particularly for Cubans seeking work in the U.S. Employers should take advantage of these changes to accelerate recruitment for temporary workers. However, business and tourist visas still face obstacles.
Asylum Policy Shifts Lead to Fewer Border Crossings
Since the introduction of new asylum restrictions by President Biden in June, illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have significantly decreased. Border Patrol recorded a 50% drop in encounters, marking some of the lowest figures since 2020. Despite a slight increase in August, the trend shows that tighter asylum policies are reducing unauthorized entries.
The PERM Takeaway: As border crossings decrease, there could be less strain on industries dependent on a steady influx of immigrant labor. However, businesses relying on asylum seekers or undocumented workers may face labor shortages, so now is the time to invest in legal recruitment channels through employment-based visas, such as the PERM program.
Public Opinion Shifts on Immigration
A recent Scripps News/Ipsos poll reveals a surprising trend: 54% of Americans now support mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. This sentiment varies greatly across party lines, highlighting the complex and divisive nature of immigration policy in the current political climate.
The PERM Takeaway: With immigration policy being a key election issue, companies relying on immigrant labor should prepare for potential shifts depending on the election outcome.
USCIS Updates: H-2B Cap and Green Card Extensions
H-2B Visa Cap Reached
The H-2B visa cap for the first half of fiscal year 2025 has been met, with September 18, 2024, marking the final submission date for workers seeking employment before April 1, 2025. Employers should note that certain exempt petitions are still being accepted.
Green Card Validity Extended
In a move to accommodate longer processing times, USCIS has extended the validity of Green Cards to 36 months for lawful permanent residents filing Form I-90. This change provides extended proof of status and employment authorization for those awaiting their renewed cards.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers who missed the H-2B visa window should look for alternative hiring strategies to fill labor gaps until April 2025. Meanwhile, the 36-month Green Card extension provides some stability for employers managing long-term foreign workers, ensuring that there’s less disruption in employment verification and work authorization while waiting for renewals.
Political Discourse Heats Up
Vice President Kamala Harris has strongly condemned former President Donald Trump's recent comments about Haitian migrants, describing them as "hateful rhetoric" that needs to stop. As the 2024 campaign season intensifies, immigration remains a key issue for voters, second only to inflation in importance.
The PERM Takeaway: As immigration rhetoric heats up, employers should stay mindful of the potential public backlash that could influence policy or hiring sentiment. Keeping a low profile on controversial issues while focusing on workforce needs will be key in navigating the political climate.
As always, stay tuned for more updates that could affect your PERM advertising strategies and labor certification processes. At Atlas, we're committed to keeping you informed and compliant in the ever-changing landscape of immigration law.
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