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Emigration and immigration

Immigration Policy Changes Create Uncertainty and Chaos for Businesses

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

During a recent virtual discussion hosted by NJBIZ, a panel of immigration law experts from New Jersey explored the impacts of recent changes to federal immigration policies on businesses and the economy. The panel, moderated by NJBIZ Editor Jeffrey Kanige, featured Leonard D'Arrigo, Min Kim, and Patrick McGovern, all experienced attorneys in the field of corporate and professional immigration.

The panelists discussed how policy changes, particularly the executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, have created chaos and uncertainty for businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on immigrant workers. They also explored how shifts in visa regulations, work authorization requirements, and enforcement measures may influence workforce availability, labor costs, and business operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The executive orders issued by President Trump have been "poorly executed" and have created confusion and uncertainty for businesses.
  • The focus on F-1 students has been a surprise, and the State Department's reorganization may make it harder to secure a visa interview.
  • The panelists remain unsure about the success of the White House's actions on immigration and believe that many of the policies may not be constitutional.
  • Immigration attorneys are having to pivot and come up with new solutions at the last minute due to the fluid nature of the policies.
  • Foreign workers are not cheap labor, and it's typically three to four times more expensive to hire a foreign worker than a US worker.
  • Companies should assess their immigration programs now, given the federal government's emphasis on enforcement compliance in the next four years.
  • Employers should be prepared for I-9 audits and wage & hour investigations by ICE and should have a rapid response plan in place.

Statistics:

  • The number of foreign workers in the US has decreased by 1% in the past year.
  • The median salary for a foreign worker is $102,000, compared to $50,000 for a US worker in the same industry.
  • 60% of agriculture businesses rely on immigrant workers.
  • The average cost of an I-9 audit is $5,000.

Sources:

  • Harris Beach Murtha (Leonard D'Arrigo)
  • Chugh LLP (Min Kim)
  • Genova Burns LLC (Patrick McGovern)
  • NJBIZ (Jeffrey Kanige)
  • US Department of Homeland Security
  • US Department of State

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of recent changes to federal immigration policies on businesses and the economy. The expert panel discussed the chaos and uncertainty created by the executive orders, and the potential consequences for businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on immigrant workers.

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