Navigating Immigration Policies Under a New Administration: Key Takeaways for HR and Businesses

As the political landscape shifts, immigration policies often follow suit, creating challenges and uncertainties for HR professionals and businesses. At Dominion Payroll, we strive to keep our clients and community informed and prepared for these changes. Recently, we hosted a DP Discover webinar, "Preparing HR and Businesses to Navigate Immigration in a New Administration," featuring experts William Hummel and Nam Douglass from Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm. 

Watch the full webinar ↓

The discussion provided invaluable insights into how businesses can navigate the complexities of immigration policies once Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Below are the key takeaways and actionable strategies shared during the session.

Embrace Flexibility in a Shifting Landscape 

Donald Trump’s first term brought significant changes to immigration policies, with over 400 executive actions affecting various aspects of legal immigration. These rapid and unexpected shifts highlight the importance for businesses to stay adaptable and ready to navigate evolving regulations.

Re-evaluate Immigration Strategies

Companies employing visa holders must proactively review their immigration strategies. With the potential reintroduction of restrictive measures like increased documentation requirements and delayed processing times, businesses should:

• Audit their visa processes.
• Plan for possible disruptions to work authorizations, green card applications, and other essential processes.
• Collaborate with legal experts to navigate potential challenges.

Prioritize Worksite Compliance

Worksite compliance is likely to be a key focus under a renewed Trump administration.

Employers should:

• Conduct regular internal audits of I-9 forms and other compliance documentation.
• Implement robust processes to ensure accuracy and avoid penalties.
• Stay updated on potential changes to employment verification requirements.

Advocate for High-Skilled Immigration

While challenges may arise, there is room for optimism in high-skilled immigration sectors. Discussions about increasing H-1B visa quotas and addressing green card backlogs are ongoing. These changes, which require Congressional approval, could greatly benefit businesses that rely on specialized talent.

Prepare for Heightened Enforcement

Increased enforcement actions, including site visits, audits, and inspections by federal agencies, are expected.

Businesses should:

• Strengthen their internal processes for compliance.
• Train HR teams to handle audits effectively.
• Consult legal advisors to ensure adherence to immigration and labor laws.

Understand the Broader Impacts

Potential policy changes may affect various immigration categories, including work visas and humanitarian-based immigration. Employers should remain informed about these developments to support their employees and effectively plan for their workforce needs.

Navigating immigration policies under a new administration requires strategic planning and adaptability. By staying informed, maintaining compliance, and supporting employees on visas, businesses can better position themselves to succeed in a shifting landscape.

WATCH THE FULL WEBINAR HERE: