New USCIS Policy Allows Certain Electronically Copied Signatures During the COVID-19 Distancing Measures

USCIS temporary policy provides acceptance of most applications or petitions for immigration status or documents that contain scanned or “electronically reproduced” original signatures, including the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.

Temporary Suspension of In-Person Inspection of I-9 New Employee Documentation Announced By DHS

Because employers are taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by having employees work remotely, the Department of Homeland Security will exercise discretion to defer the physical presence requirements associated with Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

USCIS Announces that Some Biometrics May Be Reused to Avoid Processing Delays

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 30, 2020, that it will reuse biometrics data that was previously collected prior to the March 18th closure.  For cases that already have submitted reusable biometrics, this action will allow processing of employment authorization documents, for example, to go forward despite the closure of the offices collecting the biometrics.

Employers Beware: New Non-Compete Statute Takes Effect January 1, 2020

Washington recently joined other states by restricting the use of non-competition agreements for employees and independent contractors. The new law, Chapter 49.62 RCW, takes effect on January 1, 2020 and affects both new non-competition agreements and existing agreements.

Firm Member John J. White Selected for Inclusion in Washington Super Lawyers® for Tax Law

We are pleased to announce that firm member John White has again been selected for inclusion in Washington Super Lawyers® for tax law for 2019. This year marks the 14th year that John has been selected for this prestigious honor.

Attorney Barbara Marcouiller Meets with U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal

Barbara Marcouiller and five Seattle-area immigration attorneys met with U.S Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on July 3, 2019.  Barbara discussed business-related immigration issues including H-1B adjudications, I-9 audits, and the need for more H-2B’s.

Washington Supreme Court Rules that Obesity Is a Disability Under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination

Washington’s Supreme Court decided on July 11 that obesity is a “disability” under the state discrimination law and that employers who refuse to hire an obese job applicant (who is otherwise able to perform the job) are liable under the statute. Learn more about the effect of this statute.

Firm Client John Christianson Publishes New Book – Wealth Creator’s Playbook: A Guide to Maximizing Your Return on Life and Money

Learn how to line up your own values with your wealth, including the ways in which you earn, manage, and spend your money, in order to maximize both wealth and personal fulfillment.