U.S. State Department begins social media screening for nearly all visa applicants (2 minute read)
Starting from yesterday, nearly all US visa applicants will be required to submit social media usernames, previous email addresses, and phone numbers as part of the application process. The requirement was first proposed in March 2018, with the US State Department citing national security reasons. Previously, only individuals who had traveled to areas with a high degree of terrorist activity had been required to submit this information. This new barrier to entry to the country comes at a time when competition for highly-skilled talent is at an all-time high, and critics argue that it will deter potential talent from wanting to come to the US. Other countries have lower barriers to entry, and this new requirement might incentivize free workers to start businesses or find work elsewhere.
California is cracking down on the gig economy (7 minute read)
A new bill has been passed by the state Assembly in California that will make it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, as is common practice for many companies that wish to skirt state and federal labor laws. Hundreds and thousands of workers, ranging from Uber and Amazon drivers to manicurists and exotic dancers, would likely become employees under the new bill. As employees, workers will gain labor protections and benefits such as unemployment insurance, health care subsidies, paid parental leave, overtime pay, workers’ compensation, and guaranteed minimum hourly rates. Many companies have fought back against the bill as it adds to the costs of running a business. The bill will still have to pass through the state Senate before it becomes law.