Articles and Blogs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) recently published a proposed rule on September 11, 2026, that, if finalized, would end the 60-day grace period available to H-1B and other eligible nonimmigrant workers following a loss of employment. According to DHS, the proposed rule would more closely align nonimmigrant status with the employment on... READ MORE

On September 18, 2026, President Trump issued two related measures affecting the H-1B program—a Proclamation extending the $100,000 H-1B fee to certain H-1B workers and an Executive Order directing federal agencies to strengthen H-1B oversight, including by considering employers’ recent or planned layoffs of similarly situated U.S. workers. The $100,000 fee, which applies to... READ MORE

On August 7, 2026, Illinois joined a growing number of jurisdictions expanding legal protections to employees experiencing menopause-related conditions by signing into law the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act (the “Act”) (Public Act 104-0793). Among other changes, the Act generally extends anti-discrimination and reasonable accommodation protections to employees experiencing menopause-related conditions. The employment-related... READ MORE

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would impose a new $103,265 filing fee on cap-subject H-1B petitions, in addition to existing filing fees. DHS has indicated that the fee is intended to recover a portion of the federal government’s cost of administering the lawful immigration... READ MORE

Since 1966, employers, labor organizations, educational institutions and government entities have been required to submit workforce demographic information to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) through various EEO data reports. These reports have served as a cornerstone of the EEOC’s efforts to monitor employment trends and identify potential discrimination, but this longstanding framework may... READ MORE

On July 10, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (“District Court”) in Right to Life of Michigan v. Nessel pressed pause on reaching the constitutional question at issue: whether Michigan’s expansion of sex-based discrimination to include the termination of pregnancy violates Plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights. Instead, the District Court... READ MORE

Last year, Hall Render introduced you to the APRN Modernization Act (“the Act”) after Wisconsin passed it into law in early August 2025. The Act, which takes effect on September 1, 2026, modifies licensure requirements so that qualified advanced practice nurses may practice without a collaborative arrangement with a physician or dentist. As September... READ MORE

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released a policy memo limiting the issuance of green cards based on adjustment of status to applicants demonstrating the need for extraordinary relief. The policy memo states that adjustment of status should be a discretionary measure, not an expected benefit. Absent extraordinary circumstances, applicants... READ MORE

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is rapidly reshaping the way workplaces function, especially in health care. While AI offers meaningful opportunities to streamline employer processes and increase efficiency, its adoption is outpacing the development of legal standards and governance structures. Moreover, a patchwork of state and local laws that seemingly conflict with current federal policy further... READ MORE

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued a policy memo titled Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process (the “Policy Memo”). According to the Policy Memo, adjustment of status to Lawful... READ MORE