The United States’ immigration policies directly affect employees and workers across the country. Is your company ready to handle immigration and border security related issues that may arise? While a hot button political issue, the implications for employers when it comes to changes in immigration laws are very real, irrespective of political leanings.
Here’s the latest news, and what it means for you.
The story:
The Trump administration is gearing up to defend its travel ban in the Supreme Court. The ban, which started as an executive order in January, blocked incoming traffic from predominantly Muslim countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The Supreme Court case will begin in October.
Questions to ask your company:
- Do your employees know what to do if they’re questioned, removed from their flight or otherwise inconvenienced while on a business trip?
- Do you have a communication plan to stay in touch with employees who are traveling?
- What would you do if an employee was interrogated, detained, or stranded?
- What resources are you able to provide in case of a travel emergency—financial, legal, etc?
The story:
President Trump recently endorsed a new bill called “The RAISE Act” that would place greater limits on immigration. Among other things, it would halve the number of legal immigrants over the next ten years, make it harder for extended family and adult children of current citizens to get green cards, limit the entry of refugees into the country, and stop the Diversity Visa Lottery. The bill has not yet been voted on or passed.
Questions to ask your company:
- How will this affect employees who are planning to get green cards for family members?
- It’s estimated by some that there will be a shortage of 1.1 million tech workers if such policies are put into place. How will that affect your company’s hiring needs? How will you prepare?
The story:
Undocumented immigrants are being raided at high rates across the country. ICE agents now have permission to detain and deport “non-targets” (immigrants without criminal records), who happen to be at a location when a raid occurs.
Questions to ask your company:
- What is your company policy on disclosing employee information to ICE or other governmental agencies, if requested?
- What will your company do if an employee is suddenly detained or deported?
- If an employee’s friends or family are targeted, what kind of support are you able to provide? For example, what if an employee suddenly needs to care for children who are left behind without a caretaker?
The story:
Republican Senator John Cornyn has sponsored a new immigration bill that would increase surveillance along the Mexican border. It would ramp up the use of surveillance techniques like biometric data, unmanned drones, and facial recognition. Senator Marco Rubio was quoted as saying “That bill’s not going to pass.”
Questions to ask your company:
- What is your company doing about the general feeling of discomfort and fear that may arise from the current immigration debate?
- How will you support employees who feel stress and uncertainty about their situation, or their family and friends?
- What resources or programs are you able to provide?
Topics:
News
