Starting Nov. 8, Fully-Vaccinated International Travelers Can Enter the U.S.

by Luke Phillips The White House has announced that beginning on November 8, 2021, all international travelers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 who have been blocked from entering the United States due to COVID-19 travel restrictions will no longer be barred from entry. International travelers flying to the U.S. will be required to prove they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before boarding a U.S.-bound flight.  The requirement to provide a

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White House Rescinds Travel Bans in Favor of Proof of Vaccination

by Luke Phillips On September 20, 2021, the White House announced plans to rescind the current COVID-19 travel bans in favor of a requirement of proof of vaccination for all international travelers coming into the United States, beginning in early November.   We anticipate additional policy details and implementation information will be released in the coming weeks.   The below information has been provided by the Biden administration. The announcement indicates that travel bans in place for individuals from China,

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Tueth Keeney Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers and Ian Cooper Named St. Louis Labor and Employment Litigation Lawyer of the Year!

Tueth Keeney is proud to announce that Ian Cooper has been named the 2022 St. Louis Lawyer of the Year in Labor and Employment Litigation! Margaret Hesse, Melanie Keeney, Jim Layton, and Kate Nash were also recognized in the 2022 Best Lawyers publication. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers ® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal

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Presidential Proclamation Restricts Travelers From India

On April 30, 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing a COVID-19 public health travel ban on foreign nationals with recent physical presence in India. This same type of travel ban is also already in effect for other countries experiencing high levels of COVID-19 infections, including Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, countries in the European Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Starting on May 4, 2021, foreign nationals who have been physically present in India within 14 days

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President Biden Reinstates COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

by Kristine Nazir On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation reinstating COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Proclamation bars the entry of non-US citizens who were physically present within the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and 26 countries in Europe, called the Schengen Area, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The Proclamation provides exemptions for family members of U.S. citizens, those traveling with nonimmigrant visas, and individuals invited by the

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Tueth Keeney Attorneys Present at SHRM 2021 Virtual Legal Update

Join Tueth Keeney attorneys on February 17th for the SHRM 2021 Virtual Legal Update.   Melanie Keeney and Mandi Moutray will discuss Critical Policy and Handbook Updates, Christine Self will discuss updates for Illinois employers, and Jenna Lakamp will discuss practical considerations for medical marijuana.  Click here to learn more and to register for the virtual legal update!


Melanie Gurley Keeney practices in the areas of employment, immigration and education

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H-1B Selection Process Altered to Focus on Wages

by Kristine Nazir The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its final rule altering the existing H-1B Cap selection process.  The final rule will replace the current random selection process with a new salary-based ranking system.

  • In lieu of a random lottery, USCIS would rank the cap registrations based on prevailing wage levels, first selecting registrations that meet highest prevailing wages and proceeding in descending order.
  • It will be implemented for both the H-1B regular cap and the
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Extension of Presidential Proclamation 10052 and Impact on H-1B, L-1, and J-1 Visa Holders

by Kristine Nazir On December 31, 2020, President Trump extended Proclamation 10052 until March 31, 2021.  Proclamation 10052 suspended the entry of certain H-1B, L-1, and J-1 visa holders into the United States in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, it is unknown if President-elect Biden will rescind the Proclamation when he takes office. Due to the current uncertainties associated with international travel and the impact of COVID-19, we generally recommend against traveling abroad, if such travel can

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Melanie Keeney and Kristine Nazir Present at Higher Education CLE

On December 17, 2020, Melanie Keeney and Kristine Nazir presented a CLE regarding “Immigration Update: What to Expect in 2021,” at the Tueth Keeney Higher Education Seminar.


Melanie Gurley Keeney practices in the areas of employment, immigration and education law. Melanie has been included in Best Lawyers in America ® for 25 years, and has been recognized in all areas of her practice. She also has been named to Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers ® lists for over

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Melanie Keeney Serves as Panelist for ELA Program “Navigating the Federal Sea Change”

On December 15, 2020, Melanie Keeney served as a panelist speaker for the program: “Navigating the Federal Sea Change: The Impact of the 2020 Election on Employers,” for the Employment Law Alliance regarding anticipated changes in employment-based immigration policy and regulations under the Biden Administration.


Melanie Gurley Keeney practices in the areas of employment, immigration and education law. Melanie has been included in Best Lawyers in America ® for 25 years, and has been recognized in all areas

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