Laborsphere

F-1, M-1, J-1 Visa Interviews Resume With Enhanced Screening of Applicants’ Online Activity

The new screening measures direct U.S. consular officers to thoroughly review visa applicants’ social media accounts and overall online presence. The directive encourages applicants to set their social media profiles to “public,” as private accounts may be perceived as an attempt to conceal information. Due to the increased screening workload, the number of available visa appointment slots is expected to decline, resulting in longer appointment wait times and visa processing times.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

The United Kingdom’s 24 June 2025 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

On 24 June, the UK Home Office laid before Parliament a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. These changes focus on technical clarification, policy alignment and the formalisation of prior concessions across various immigration routes. We provide a summary of the key changes taking effect from July 2025.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Supreme Court Decision in Trump v. CASA Does Not Affect Ryan Court’s Universal Injunction of the FTC Noncompete Rule

The Supreme Court has issued its decision in Trump v. CASA, ruling that district courts generally lack the authority to issue nationwide, universal injunctions.

For employers, a key question arises: What impact does the CASA decision have on the FTC’s final rule banning the use of most noncompete agreements, which was set aside in August 2024 by the Northern District of Texas in the Ryan decision?

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Post-Brexit Agreement on Gibraltar: Key Developments and Practical Implications

On 11 June, the United Kingdom and Spain, alongside the European Commission and the Government of Gibraltar, announced a political agreement on the future relationship between Gibraltar and the European Union. The deal marks a significant milestone in post-Brexit negotiations and provides a framework for Gibraltar’s continued access to the Schengen area, while explicitly preserving UK sovereignty and ensuring continued economic stability. The agreement is designed to secure fluidity at the Gibraltar-Spain border, a key issue for the territory’s workforce and economy. We outline the key elements of the deal and its practical implications.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Reminder for California Employers: Immigration Status Protection

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has recently reminded California employers of protections available to workers regardless of their immigration status. California workers are protected from unfair immigration-related practices, and it is unlawful for any employer to retaliate against a worker for exercising these protections. It is also unlawful for an employer to fail to comply with notice requirements about immigration enforcement actions at worksites. We summarize California laws that prohibit discrimination and retaliation based on immigration status.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Supreme Court Clarifies Title VII Disparate Treatment Theory: What Employers Should Know in the Evolving Legal Environment

Earlier this month, the United States Supreme Court unanimously settled the burden required by a plaintiff to satisfy a prima facie showing of disparate treatment discrimination by an employer. On June 5, 2025, the Court held in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services¹ that the plain text of Title VII does not differentiate burden requirements between minority-group plaintiffs and those of a majority group.

The decision specifically impacts the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and D.C. Circuit Courts of Appeal, which had identified a heightened burden for a prima facie case of disparate treatment by majority-group plaintiffs under Title VII. Nevertheless, employers everywhere should be mindful of this legal development, particularly considering other recent policy changes to anti-discrimination enforcement under the Trump administration.

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