Some corporations are offering reimbursements for immigration document renewal fees and overall immigration support to their foreign-born employees who are already authorized to live and work in the United States. This change comes following an increased labor shortage, especially in the food service and accommodation industry, which had over 1 million available jobs at the end of April 2022.
An example of a company providing these benefits is Noodles and Co., which added a $500 reimbursement every two years for employees to renew their immigration documents. One of their Chicago-based employees, a native of Mexico, said he was approved for this benefit in less than a day’s time, and it has helped him save up to become a full citizen of the United States. Specifically, this benefit helped him cover the $540 cost of renewing his green card.
According to the executive director of Tent Partnership for Refugees, which helps refugees join the workforce in the United States, roughly 100 US companies are joining their movement in some way or another, including by adding direct immigration benefits. Amazon.com is one example of this type of company, as they implemented a reimbursement program to assist employees in work-permit renewal.
Tyson Foods Inc. is also implementing a program to help employees become citizens and working with nonprofit organizations to provide free legal assistance. This comes as an expansion of the limited assistance that they began providing three years ago at a single plant. For this organization which is comprised of roughly 33% immigrant employees, staffing has drastically improved.
If you have questions about providing immigration support for your employees, contact us at ILBSG. Our extensive expertise ensures our clients get the right advice.
