Many employers believe that labeling a worker "independent contractor" will end the classification inquiry. The inquiry, however, will reach beyond definitions included in a contract. Whether a worker is properly classified as an independent contractor is based on multiple factors. Employers should pay heed to increased enforcement-and make sure workers are accurately classified.

Privacy law becomes more uncertain with each technological innovation-and each judicial decision. Employers beware. Although the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in City of Ontario v. Quon addressed government employers, the decision has far-reaching practical implications for private sector employers.

There is a growing danger in the American workplace for employers and employees alike: Facebook and its brethren. Social media technology is constantly evolving. Every employer must have a sound social networking policy, which strikes a balance between protecting employees' privacy rights and maintaining company integrity.

An L-1 Visa is a visa document used to enter the United States for the purpose of work in L-1 status. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is valid for a relatively short amount of time - generally three years (but can be renewed for a total period of seven years). Learn more about the ins and outs of obtaining an L-1 Visa.

The E2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work inside of the United States based on an investment he or she will be controlling, while inside the United States. This visa must be renewed every other year, but there is no limit to how many times one can renew. Investment must be "substantial."

Under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5), 10,000 immigrant visas per year are available to qualified individuals seeking permanent resident status on the basis of their engagement in a new commercial enterprise.

The TN visa is available to eligible Mexicans and Canadians with at least a bachelor's degree or appropriate professional credentials who seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in certain qualified fields pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Examples include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, attorneys, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.

The O-1 classification is a type of employment visa that applies to aliens who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and who are coming temporarily to the U.S. to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Are you a small business owner? Be certain you are using the most up-to-date Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The new Form I-9 has significant changes from previous versions.

On February 22, 2008, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey announced higher civil fines against employers who violate federal immigration laws. The new rule will become effective as of March 27, 2008.

The number of new H-1Bs issued each year in the United States is subject to an annual congressionally-mandated quota. Each H-1B quota applies to a particular Fiscal Year, which begins on October 1. Applications for the upcoming Fiscal Year are accepted beginning on the preceding April 1 (or the first working day after that date).

Attention California Employers: On January 1, 2008, the Minimum Wage will rise to $8 per hour from $7.50. So, you will need to make appropriate adjustments to your payroll systems. Further, many employers also are raising their employee's wages that are above the minimum wage in order to retain them.