Learning a couple of new things about the executive order. First, no change on timing. Trump is to be briefed tonight or early next week so he can decide. 1
No change in what was previously reported, but a few additions. There is talk of limiting, by rulemaking, H-1Bs to two years on extensions and to have to pay a higher wage (level 2) on extensions. 2
Also, wanting staffing companies’ end clients to be considered a secondary employer and having to file a separate Labor Condition Application. 3
Would hike up all four Department of Labor wage levels to force higher pay (though this doesn’t make a lot of sense if these wages are based on government surveys of local employers). 4
For optional practical training for F-1 students, limiting to top percentage graduating. Not sure if this is any OPT or just STEM. 5
Something really nasty. Taking away employment authorization from asylees and refugees to force them to take public benefits and then make them ineligible to ever adjust status to permanent residency under the new public charge rule. People will burn in hell for that one. 6
I also am learning more about litigation strategies which I’ll avoid talking about here, but the fact that this has been proceeded by other orders relying on similar arguments will make it easier to move more quickly. 7
Bottom line on the litigation - the President is on pretty weak ground. Lots of reasons to be hopeful even if the immediate news is bad. <end of thread>. 8
