H1B Breaking News, Setting Priorities & House Speaker selection
Changes to H1B, How to Prioritize tasks & what next on House Speaker election
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Market: U.S. stocks experienced significant declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both falling over 1%, influenced by concerns over interest rate hikes and the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict. This broad-based selling affected all sectors of the S&P 500, particularly technology and financials. The conflict in the Middle East contributed to investor caution. The financial sector faced a 1.6% drop, while regional banking indexes fell 3.5%, and Regions Financial shares slid 12.4% due to missed profit estimates. The 10-year Treasury yield eased after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments about the possibility of tougher borrowing conditions to control inflation. For the week, the Dow fell 1.6%, the S&P 500 dropped 2.4%, and the Nasdaq slid 3.2%.
Breaking News: Major Proposed Changes to H1B
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have unveiled a proposed regulation aimed at revamping the H-1B program. It's essential to understand that this regulation is currently in the proposal stage and won't take effect until after the comment period, DHS review, and issuance of a final regulation. Comments on the proposed regulation are due by December 19 and can be submitted via the Federal Register using the reference DHS Docket No. USCIS-2023-0005. While the complete proposal spans 250+ pages, this article offers a concise summary of the key changes proposed by DHS, with an emphasis on the potential impact of these changes.
Radical Change to the H1B Lottery System
One of the most significant changes is in the H1B lottery system. To combat multiple entries and unfair practices, the DHS plans to limit the number of lottery entries for a single individual. For instance, if an applicant has five job offers from distinct, non-related entities, only one entry will be made in the H1B lottery. However, if this individual is selected in the lottery, all five employers will be notified, offering the beneficiary the choice of which employer to work for. This policy is aimed at preventing widespread gaming of the system and promoting fair competition.
Specialty Occupation Under Scrutiny
The regulations also tighten the definition of "specialty occupation." Applicants must be more specific about their field of study to meet the criteria, and employers will have to show that the majority of the time an employee spends on a job relates to their specialty occupation. While it may not be as stringent as the rules in 2018, these changes aim to clarify the process and minimize potential misuse.
Increased Scrutiny of Contracts for Third-Party Placements
For those working in third-party placements, employers will be expected to provide contracts, work orders, or other similar evidence to demonstrate the specialty occupation nature of the job. This change is designed to ensure that jobs requiring a degree in a specific field are truly in the specialty occupation category. It's important to note that contracts between the petitioner and the end-client may be subject to increased scrutiny.
Enhanced Site Visit Authority
DHS is also proposing changes to site visits. Employers and employees will be required to cooperate with site visits, even when conducted at home offices. This is a shift from the current voluntary cooperation, with potential consequences for those who do not comply.
Cap Gap Changes
For students transitioning from F1 to H1B status, the cap gap period, during which employment authorization continues, will be extended to April 1 of the fiscal year. This change will help prevent employment gaps.
Encouragement for Entrepreneurship
One of the most exciting changes is the provision for what's called "beneficiary-owned petitioners." This allows an individual who owns more than 50% of an entity to petition for an H1B while still maintaining a significant role in the running of a business. This change may encourage entrepreneurship and innovation by providing more freedom to H1B beneficiaries.
To read the full proposal, click here.
#SettleWiseStance – These proposed regulations represent a significant shift in the U.S. immigration landscape. They aim to make the system fairer, more specific, and focused on genuine specialty occupations. Additionally, they offer opportunities for beneficiaries to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Stay tuned for updates on these regulations, and don't forget to provide your input during the comment period. The immigration landscape in the U.S. is evolving, and your voice matters.
Wiser Craving
Multiple subscriber reached out expressing their interest of learning few specific topics. If you want to read about any specific topic, Please let us know in the comments or email to author.settlewise@gmail.com
#WiserCraving Topic of this edition is Prioritizing the tasks.
Too much to do in too little time?
Are you struggling to set priorities and stay focused on what truly matters? This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and make the most of your time.
In a world overflowing with endless tasks and responsibilities, mastering productivity is an art that can elevate your personal and team performance. It's all about setting the right priorities and staying focused on what truly matters. In this edition, we explore the strategies that can help you achieve this feat at both personal and team levels. Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of Eisenhower Matrix and Ivy Method.
Eisenhower Matrix for Personal Mastery:
Picture this: Your to-do list stretches longer than a weekly grocery receipt. Where do you even start? Enter the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple yet powerful tool named after the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. It sorts your tasks into four categories:
1. Urgent and Important: These tasks demand immediate attention. Handle them first.
2. Important, but Not Urgent: These are your long-term goals and strategic plans. Schedule them for later.
3. Urgent, but Not Important: Delegate these tasks if possible, as they're often time-suckers.
4. Not Urgent and Not Important: These tasks are your productivity's kryptonite. Eliminate them.
By prioritizing tasks with this matrix, you focus your energy where it truly matters and tackle important but non-urgent tasks before they become crises.
The Ivy Lee Method for Personal Efficiency:
Another effective method for setting priorities is The Ivy Lee Method. It is a time management technique that helps individuals prioritize tasks effectively. It involves these steps:
At the end of each workday, write down the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the next day. These should be tasks that contribute significantly to your goals.
Arrange these tasks in order of importance, with the most crucial task listed first.
Start your workday the next morning by focusing on the first task, dedicating your full attention to it. Work on it until it's completed or until you've made significant progress.
Move on to the next task on your list, and repeat this process throughout the day.
If there are unfinished tasks, transfer them to the next day's list.
This method keeps you focused on your most essential tasks and minimizes distractions. By concentrating on a limited number of tasks, you can boost your productivity and achieve your goals efficiently.
#SettleWiseStance – These Methods presents a promising approach to revolutionize our work habits. By systematically categorizing tasks and implementing a structured daily plan, these methods alleviate the overwhelming stress of managing numerous responsibilities. This, in turn, enhances productivity by ensuring essential tasks are addressed efficiently. As we adopt these tools, we can look forward to working smarter, not harder, and ultimately achieving a better work-life balance while becoming more effective in our endeavors.
Two Weeks Without a Speaker: GOP Abandons Jordan
In a surprising turn of events, the Republican voted on Friday to withdraw their support for House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as their nominee for Speaker. This decision followed Jordan's third consecutive loss in a secret ballot vote on the House floor, where he had seen diminishing GOP support with each vote.
This move marks the latest development in a tumultuous two-week period for House Republicans. It began with the controversial removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on October 3rd when eight House Republicans joined forces with Democrats. Jordan was initially put forward as the GOP's second choice for Speaker after the first nominee, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), faced significant resistance, largely from Jordan's supporters.
Steve Scalise, who had hesitated to withdraw his Speaker candidacy the day after Jordan's nomination, stated that he would not make another bid for the position following the Jordan vote.
After the decision, Jordan humbly addressed his recall, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. He announced that he would return to his role as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and urged the party to unite behind a new candidate for the Speaker position.
The Speaker Pro Tem, Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), revealed that the House GOP would hold a candidate forum on Monday, followed by a secret ballot election on Tuesday to select a new Speaker nominee. Several candidates have already emerged as contenders in this race, including Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and House GOP Conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson (R-La.).
The outcome remains uncertain as the party seeks to unify around a new Speaker nominee amid this challenging political landscape.
#SettleWiseStance – The House Speaker vacancy amid global crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas tensions, raises concerns. It may hinder leadership and decision-making, affect international perceptions, and disrupt legislative priorities. Additionally, a looming government shutdown due to a short-term bill covering just 45 days adds further instability to the mix.
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