As we approach the new year, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest developments…
COVID-19 Update June 18, 2020
Today, with a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that protects the children of immigrants who entered the country unlawfully from exportation. Those protected under DACA, otherwise known as “Dreamers,” have faced reluctant employers who, in addition to feeling uncertain about DACA’s future, thought that hiring them would require sponsorship, so hopefully this ruling helps spread awareness for greater employer confidence.
As employees return to work, the FFCRA has issued new regulations for eFMLA and eSick Leave for businesses with less than 500 employees. New employees are eligible after 30 days while previously existing employees returning with more than 30 days of work history prior to the pandemic-caused layoffs may be eligible immediately. This will end on December 31st, 2020, but the retention of the documents will stay accessible for 4 years.
The 4th round of congressional COVID-19 relief is supposed to be coming from Congress after July 4th. A bill held by the Senate proposes a form of subsidized Cobra for employees that have been laid off due to COVID-19. Recent delays have been caused by an amendment called the Hyde Act in which Republicans are insisting be a part of this new stimulus bill; however, because it states that no federal funds can be used to pay for abortions, Democrats consider that part a deal-breaker.
Today’s Attachments:
- Supreme Court Blocks the End of DACA – The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program should not have been overturned and said the Trump administration’s actions to rescind the program violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
- EEOC Answers More Coronavirus Questions as Employees Return to Work – The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) had asked EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon to provide additional COVID-19-related guidance for employers and human resource professionals.
- ICE Extends Relaxed Enforcement of Form I-9 Rules – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the extension of its modified remote I-9 document inspection policy on June 16, due to continued precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
