The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) is the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill, which the President signed into law March 11, 2021.  The ARPA expands on some of the critical provisions in the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act and is aimed to aid individuals, businesses as well as state and local governments.  A summary of the ARPA is provided below.  The APRA provides funding for: agriculture and nutrition programs, including [...]

On March 12, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a new law that allows employees in New York to take up to four hours of paid leave time, per vaccination, to get vaccinated for COVID-19, which takes effect immediately and will expire on December 31, 2022 The law adds Section 159-c to the New York Civil Service Law and Section 196-c to the New York Labor Law (NYLL) This new leave entitlement affects both private and public employers and employees Employees shall be provided a sufficient period of [...]

The Department of Homeland Security is designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective 3/9/21 through 9/9/22. This new designation enables Venezuelan nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Venezuela) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the Temporary Protected Status, individuals must be able to demonstrate continuous [...]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has been experiencing delays in issuing receipts notices for Form I?765 for optional practical training (OPT) for F?1 students, due to COVID?19 restrictions, a dramatic increase in filings, postal service volume and delays, and other external factors. On February 26, USCIS announced flexibilities for certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I?765, Application for Employment Authorization. These [...]

On March 3, 2021, the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) FAQs were updated to reflect changes made by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act enacted on December 27, 2020.  The latest version of the PPP FAQs can be located here: Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf (treasury.gov) An Interim Final Rule on Revisions to Loan Amount Calculation and Eligibility was posted by the Small Business Administration [...]