In the time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in 2020, many businesses have dramatically altered their workforce: switching to and hiring remote employees who could work virtually from anywhere, including other countries.
Other businesses had employees on various work visas who are now resuming their duties. 2021 brought about changes as well from a political standpoint, with a new administration in the White House. With all of these circumstances in flux, immigration law has been a relevant topic during all phases of this pandemic and continues to be important for U.S. businesses and employers.
In this episode, my guest, Attorney Jeff Margolis, and I will discuss what you need to know, as an employer or an employee, navigating the immigration laws that govern business and employment.
About Jeff Margolis:
margolislawfirm.com
Linkedin
By Segment
0:45 – 15:44 – The host introduces his guest, Attorney Jeff Margolis. Eric goes on to mention Jeff’s accolades throughout his career. After getting fired from a firm in ‘82, Jeff decided to start his own firm, Margolis Law Firm. With expertise in immigration, Jeff was able to counsel major multinational companies. Eric also mentioned that Jeff holds an AV rating and has been an active member of the American Immigration and Nationality Lawyer Association for over 30 years. Before the end of the segment Jeff candidly spoke on the differences between the Trump and Biden administration handling immigration laws.
18:11 – 30:44 – After the break Jeff continued to discuss the mishandling of immigration policies during the Trump administration. He talked about how even before the pandemic, policies under the last administration fueled the narrative that immigrants are taking from the country and economy. Jeff made a point to say under the Biden administration, policies have been made to reunite families and Visa processes have been sped up.
33:23 – 46:16 – Jeff went in depth on how Biden’s administration has launched a multitude of initiatives since he was elected into office. Within Biden’s first 90 days in office he had such an intense focus on immigration issues. Jeff listed specifics like revoking the travel and visa ban issued by the Trump administration. He also mentioned how policies have been made to reduce application time for green cards.
48:31 – 58:08 – After the break Eric asked what to look for in a good firm. Jeff talked about how he thinks the most successful lawyers are problem solvers. Lawyers have to be good listeners because you really have to understand your clients’ problems. There was a Segway to the history of I-9 forms and why they are mandatory for every employer to give to new employees. Jeff mentioned how his firm is proactive and encourages clients to examine I-9’s to make sure they are filled out correctly to prevent audits.
About Employment Law Today
Helping Business With Employment Law Issues.
For many business owners, it can be overwhelming to keep up and comply with the federal and state labor and employment laws that govern how they run their business. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new laws and regulations regarding hiring, firing, and workplace practices and protocols — all of which can increase business owners’ anxieties about regaining traction or thriving again. On my weekly show, we will be discussing the most common employment law related questions and challenges that business owners have been facing in these uncertain times.
The show will have three main goals: (1) to inform businesses about employment law updates, (2) to inspire businesses by giving them the tools to move forward, and (3) to demonstrate how some business owners have overcome their employment law problems, walked through the challenges imposed by this pandemic, and have taken steps to regain traction during the reopening phases of this pandemic.
Our guests will include professionals who advise businesses from an H.R., legal, and financial perspective, along with thriving business owners who will share their experiences and insights into running a successful company while complying with labor and employment law mandates during COVID-19.