By: Kenneth Nilsson and Rachael Jeanfreau Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor launched “Project Firewall”, an initiative enforced by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division which aims to “safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled U.S. workers and maximize compliance with the H-1B visa program.” The H-1B visa program, which employers use … Continue reading Immigration Update: Project Firewall
Month: January 2026
U.S. Government Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries
By: Kenneth Nilsson and Rachael Jeanfreau Effective January 21, 2026, the United States government suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for foreign nationals of 75 countries. This suspension affects applicants for immigrant visas, including employment-based and family-based petitions for permanent residency (i.e., “green cards”). Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist visas, student visas, H-1B visas, and … Continue reading U.S. Government Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for Nationals of 75 Countries
EEOC Rescinds Biden-Era Transgender Anti-Harassment Guidance
By: Philip Giorlando and Fred Preis The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission voted 2-1 today to officially rescind anti-harassment guidance issued during the Biden administration that classified misgendering transgender employees as a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Background This rescission continues the rollback of LGBTQ+ workplace protections … Continue reading EEOC Rescinds Biden-Era Transgender Anti-Harassment Guidance
Court Finds Working Conditions Not Intolerable in EEOC Case Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals
By: Scott D. Wilson The EEOC represents Efrin Chavez, a surgical technician who was hired by Northwest Arkansas Hospitals in January 2022 for a position in the Labor and Delivery Unit. The EEOC alleged that the hospital discriminated against Mr. Chavez because of his sex (male) by subjecting him to different terms, conditions, or privileges of … Continue reading Court Finds Working Conditions Not Intolerable in EEOC Case Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals
NLRB Operations Resume After Swearing-In Delay
By: Philip Giorlando and Fred Preis As we highlighted last month here, the National Labor Relations Board has two new members, finally providing the Board with a three-person quorum to address the massive backlog and make progress toward reversing some Biden-era precedent that overturned centuries of NLRB law. Nearly three weeks after Senate confirmation, the National … Continue reading NLRB Operations Resume After Swearing-In Delay
What to Expect During an OSHA Investigation After a Workplace Accident
By: Joseph Cefalu When a serious workplace accident occurs, employers may face immediate scrutiny from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For many employers, an OSHA investigation presents unfamiliar procedures and significant financial and legal risk, especially when severe injuries, fatalities or serious hazards are involved. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare … Continue reading What to Expect During an OSHA Investigation After a Workplace Accident
Skip the Mistletoe: Office Party Do’s and Don’ts
By: Alexandra Cobb Hains It is officially the holiday season! Many employers will host their annual holiday parties in the coming weeks, and although holiday parties offer a chance for celebration, they can expose employers to considerable risk without thoughtful planning. Now is the perfect time for a refresher of some office party “Do’s” and … Continue reading Skip the Mistletoe: Office Party Do’s and Don’ts
How Long Do I Need to Retain Physical Therapy Patient Records?
By: Alyse Richard Latiolais Neither the Louisiana Physical Therapy Practice Act nor LPTB rules dictate how long you must retain physical therapy patient records. LPTB rules do direct physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to properly document, maintain, make arrangements for patient access, and destroy physical therapy patient records. Under LPTB rules, a licensee may … Continue reading How Long Do I Need to Retain Physical Therapy Patient Records?
EEOC Signals Increased Focus on Religious Discrimination Cases
By Phillip Giorlando and Fred Preis With a Republican majority restored to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers should expect a significant uptick in religious discrimination litigation. Acting Chair Andrea Lucas has pledged to advance “broader litigation priorities” emphasizing religious liberty, marking a shift in enforcement focus under the current administration. Key Developments: The … Continue reading EEOC Signals Increased Focus on Religious Discrimination Cases
BSW Labor and Employment Law Blog 