U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance regarding eligibility requirements, filing and adjudication of adjustment of status applications based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA).

The guidance issued today:

• Clarifies the eligibility requirements to adjust status based on LRIF;
• Provides guidance on the evidence applicants must submit to adjust their status based on LRIF; and
• Explains that LRIF adjustment applicants may apply for employment authorization.

LRIF allows certain Liberian nationals and their spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, and unmarried sons and daughters 21 years old or older living in the United States who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence (a Green Card). Aliens applying to adjust status based on LRIF must properly complete and file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, by Dec. 20, 2020. Under LRIF, once an applicant adjusts status, they are immediately eligible to apply for naturalization.

LRIF was enacted Dec. 20, 2019, under Section 7611 of the NDAA.

---

Exporting Mechanics Webinar Series II  The U.S. Commercial Service, the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, has partnered with The NCBFAA Educational Institute (NCBFAA), to present an exporting mechanics webinar series focused on more leading and progressive topics.  The series will provide U.S. small and medium-sized businesses with more advanced information that they need to help them increase exports abroad, while increasing employment and jobs in the United States.    *The content for all topics will last within an hour, but sometimes, the question and answer session will last beyond the hour based on the number of participants on the webinar."

Event:  ACE Export Reports for Compliance Date:  April 14, 2020 Time:  2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET Cost:  $25 per participant Learn how to cover the ACE reporting that will assist in international transactions and staying compliant.    For more information, go to NCBFAA

47.1% of Households Have Responded The 2020 Census response rate map shows how cities and towns across the country are now responding. The map will be updated daily around 3 p.m. for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation.  See Response Rates How Does Your State Rank? View 2020 Census response rate rankings. 2020 Census: Your Response Matters Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census were delivered last month. About 64 million households across the nation will receive a paper questionnaire in the coming days. You can also respond online in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more.  Respond Now Share This Newsletter If You've Already Responded: Share the most up-to-date and accurate Census Bureau news and information with your friends, family, and followers on social media. Here's how you can spread the word! Share This 2020 Census Response Rate Map Badges Share the Response Rate Map on your website. Visit the Response Rates page and scroll to the bottom to find several badge graphics. Get Badge   How to Share or Embed the Response Rate Map Use this link to share the 2020 Census response rate map. You can also copy embed code to feature the map on your website. Share Map

U.S. Department of Labor
April 10, 2020

Expanded Unemployment Benefits Guidance The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of Americans applying for unemployment insurance. In response, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance to help states implement expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act. Guidance on implementing the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which makes benefits available for self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig workers, and others who do not regularly qualify for unemployment assistance. Guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, under which states will administer an additional $600 weekly payment to eligible individuals. Positioning the Economy for a Quick Rebound In an op-ed with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia discusses how the Administration is working to position the economy for a quick rebound after containing coronavirus by helping maintain the relationship between employers and workers. Quick Safety Tips Videos OSHA released its third quick safety tips video on using the right tools to clean workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. All three videos are available in English and Spanish. Important Updates from the Labor Department On Thursday, Secretary Scalia joined President Trump and Vice President Pence at the White House to discuss the Department of Labor’s efforts to help Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Updates and Resources Respirator Protection Guidance: OSHA has issued interim guidance on more respirator options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Release: OSHA has expanded guidance on respirator fit-testing to all industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety Poster: A new poster highlights 10 infection prevention measures every employer can take to reduce workplace exposure to coronavirus. It is available in English and Spanish. Whistleblower Rights: OSHA reminded employers that it is illegal to retaliate against workers for reporting unsafe and unhealthful working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail Alert: An OSHA alert lists safety tips to help protect retail workers from exposure to COVID-19. It is available in English and Spanish. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Youth Apprenticeship Grants More than $42 million is available in grants to help connect youths with apprenticeships in new and non-traditional occupations. Benefit Plans Judgment A federal court has ordered a Maryland company to restore $28,650,604 to employer benefit plans following a Department investigation. Miners Remembered On April 5, MSHA recognized the 29 miners who died in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in 2010 by placing a wreath at the memorial. NOLA Construction Collapse OSHA has cited an engineering firm, general contractor, steel erector and eight subcontractors for safety and health violations after investigating a partial building collapse at a New Orleans construction site. COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT Timesheet App Need help tracking work hours? We’ve got an app for that. The DOL-Timesheet App helps track regular work hours, break time, and overtime hours so employees and employers can keep accurate records.