Navigating the U.S. Immigration Landscape in 2026: What HR Professionals Need to Know

When
4 Nov 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Virtual

Registration

Members - FREE
Non-Members *FREE*

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The U.S. immigration system has experienced rapid and significant change throughout 2026, creating new compliance obligations and challenges for employers of all sizes. This session provides HR professionals with a practical, up-to-date overview of the most consequential developments from this year, including the push for fixed admission periods for F-1 students, the first-ever wage-weighted H-1B lottery, proposed six-figure H-1B filing fees, rising denial rates for different categories of employment-based green cards, the rescission of the 2022 public charge rule, and the potential elimination of the 60-day post-termination grace period policy. The presentation will cover what each change means for day-to-day HR operations, workforce planning, and I-9 compliance, and will offer concrete steps HR teams can take now to stay ahead of the curve.

Learning Objectives

Identify key 2026 regulatory and policy changes, including the latest updates regarding fixed F-1 admission periods, the wage-weighted H-1B cap selection process, proposed increases to H-1B fees, and green card adjudication trends, and their impact on employer hiring and retention strategies.
Recognize employer compliance risksarising from the new F-1/OPT framework, expanded USCIS vetting and social media screening, mandatory e-filing requirements, and the proposed end of the 60-day grace period, and describe practical steps to mitigate those risks.
Apply best practices for workforce planning and immigration program management, including strategies for onboarding foreign national employees, managing travel documentation, and preparing for potential future regulatory shifts.

This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM credits.

OUR SPEAKERS:

Christina Kelley

Ogletree Deakins

Christina has skillfully guided high-volume corporate, small startup, and individual clients through a wide range of immigration matters, including immigrant and nonimmigrant visa, EAD, PERM, and adjustment of status filings with USCIS and the Department of Labor. She is passionate about utilizing technology, processes, and data to drive efficiency and quality in her clients’ immigration programs. She has extensive experience responding to complex Requests for Evidence, crafting cohesive case strategies for complicated filings, and distilling ever-changing immigration law into understandable client communications. Christina has represented detained and non-detained clients pro bono in Immigration Court, and gives “Know Your Rights” presentations to vulnerable immigrant populations. She has also assisted religious workers with R-1, I-360, and adjustment of status filings with USCIS.

Daniel Ruemenapp

Ogletree Deakins

Daniel Ruemenapp provides U.S. immigration and global mobility support to corporate and individual clients, including premier high-technology corporations. He advises clients on U.S. employment and family-based immigration matters, encompassing several nonimmigrant visa categories and helps them obtain permanent residence in the United States. Daniel guides employers and employees through the PERM labor certification process and advises on DOL regulatory compliance.

Keep learning and connecting with us at an upcoming RI SHRM program.

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Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Pam Thornton at ri.shrmsponsorship@gmail.com.

RI Society for Human Resource Management