When onboarding new employees, most US employers are aware they must complete Form I-9 for every employee, but far fewer are prepared when the government comes calling. Given President Trump’s immigration directives, which focus heavily on enforcement efforts, the probability surrounding possible increases in site visits and surprise audits by various agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) , maintaining accurate I-9 records is not an option, but a legal obligation with real consequences. Is your business ready?
Read moreUSCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2026 H-1B CAP
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced on July 18, 2025, they had reached the H-1B Cap for fiscal year 2026. The Service reported having received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated limits for the H-1B visa regular cap, as well as the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap) for FY2026. The agency conducted a single lottery selection from selections that were submitted in March 2025 and will not be conducting any further selection lotteries for FY2026.
For those not selected, remember there may still be hope.
Which Border Did I Cross?
“San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney
Lincoln Center, renowned for its world-class performances, is now showcasing its vibrant artistic side to the public with no ticket required. Outside David Geffen Hall, the home of the New York Philharmonic, a bold graphic façade wraps the building, transforming its exterior into a vibrant tapestry of vivid colors, dynamic patterns, and striking imagery that brings the energy of the arts into the streets. “San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney, who previously shared some “NYC LOVE” with us, pays tribute to what existed before the urban renewal project that transformed 16.3 acres of the San Juan Hill neighborhood into Lincoln Center: a culturally rich, densely populated, working-class community. Within the piece, you’ll find glimpses of those who once called this area home, including jazz and bebop legends like James P. Johnson and Thelonious Monk, dedicated schoolteachers, and pioneering healthcare workers such as Edith Carter and Elizabeth Tyler. Through vivid colors, graphic shapes, and bold typography, “San Juan Heal” reclaims this important history and invites New Yorkers to remember the rich cultural spirit that still resonates throughout the neighborhood.
The New York Times: “Trump’s Purge of Foreign Workers Arrives at Amazon’s Warehouses”
The US economy is starting to be shaken up by the Trump Administration’s revocation of humanitarian parole programs that gave foreign nationals the ability to work legally in the country. President Trump’s tough stance on immigration and recent government actions have forced many immigrants, who were legally residing in the US and had authorization to work, out of their jobs. As the Trump administration revoked humanitarian parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (“CHNV”) and Temporary protected status (“TPS”) for nationals of Venezuela and Haiti the numbers of foreign nationals with valid work permits has taken a dive. As a result, Amazon has been faced with a dwindling work force in their warehouses around the country after certain employees who were eligible to work under CHNV or TPS could not obtain new work authorization documents and were consequently dismissed in late June as a result of their loss of work authorization.
Read moreIsn’t There a Better Way?
The Sun King Dreams of Peace
In between some exciting tennis matches and the summer heat kicking in, we took a little detour to London’s beautiful Berkeley Square —and we’re so glad we did. Nestled among the greenery is “The Sun King Dreams of Peace” a breathtaking sculpture by the incredibly talented free carver, Emily Young which captures the essence of celestial deities. Crafted from Giallo di Siena stone, this piece practically glows in the sunlight, reminding us to slow down and reconnect, both with nature and with one another. Ms. Young’s work always carries a deeper message, and this sculpture is no exception. While the exact reference of the golden head is open to interpretation, the sculpture serves as a beacon of hope, evoking light, beauty, and a sense of peace amid the hustle of the city. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just someone looking for a quiet moment in the park, this piece is worth a visit. We left feeling refreshed and inspired—and we hope you do too!
New York is the Land of Immigrants
Moments of Peace
Between the East Coast heat wave and busy summer preparations, it seems we are all looking for a moment of respite. We asked around the office for people to submit photos of their versions of peaceful moments, and what came about is a lovely collection of images. We have captured moments from around the globe, from Italy to South Korea to Brooklyn, featuring birds in flight, lighthouses, and sunrises. The underlying theme seems to be the great outdoors, since every photo was taken outside! As the sweltering heat at our New York office starts to break, we hope wherever you are in the world you get a chance to step outside this weekend and enjoy everything summer has to offer. We are taking a break from social media until after the 4th so we can find some more peaceful moments outside. Happy July 4th!!
