The News: Trump Confirms Plan to Use Military for Mass Deportations
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to declare a national emergency to initiate a massive deportation effort using military resources. This would be the largest deportation program in U.S. history, reflecting Trump's campaign promises to take hardline measures against undocumented immigrants. Critics warn this could strain military resources and ignite further polarization around immigration reform.
The PERM Takeaway: The implications of mass deportations may create workforce disruptions for industries reliant on immigrant labor. Employers should prepare for potential labor shortages and evaluate compliance measures to ensure stability in their workforce.
The News: Los Angeles Passes Sanctuary City Ordinance Amid Trump’s Deportation Pledge
In response to Trump’s aggressive deportation policies, Los Angeles solidified its sanctuary city status through a unanimous city council vote. Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, offering a layer of protection for undocumented immigrants. Trump has vowed to dismantle such policies, escalating tensions between local and federal governments.
The PERM Takeaway: Sanctuary city policies may offer temporary reprieve to immigrant communities but signal a potential clash with federal enforcement. Employers operating in sanctuary cities should closely monitor evolving regulations to navigate compliance challenges effectively.
The News: U.S. Sets New Record with 1.1 Million International Students
The U.S. welcomed a record-breaking 1.1 million international students during the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. India surpassed China as the top-sending country, highlighting shifting global trends in education migration. This influx reflects the United States’ enduring appeal as a destination for higher education and professional development.
The PERM Takeaway: The growth in international student enrollment presents an opportunity for employers to tap into a pool of highly skilled foreign talent. Employers should consider leveraging the OPT and H-1B visa programs to recruit top-tier graduates and meet specialized workforce needs.
The News: Biden Administration Will Release Additional 64,000 H-2B Visas for FY 2025
To address labor shortages in seasonal industries, the Biden administration announced an additional 64,716 H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025. These supplemental visas are critical for sectors like hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing, which rely on seasonal workers to sustain operations.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers in seasonal industries should act swiftly to secure these additional H-2B visas. With high demand and limited supply, early planning is essential to avoid workforce shortages during peak seasons.
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