North America HR News Flash: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Cato Institute files amicus brief in First Circuit case over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

• Cato Institute filed an amicus brief in the First Circuit
• It backs California and other states challenging the $100,000 H-1B fee
• A district court invalidated the fee; a second federal district court later invalidated it on other grounds

What employers should do: Monitor the First Circuit's review to see whether the fee continues to apply; Keep a contingency plan for the H-1B fee in hiring budgets

Business Insider's H-1B Fallout series tracks a year of impact from $100,000 fee, interviewing 20+ visa holders and applicants

• The $100,000 fee applies to some new H-1B applications, introduced in September 2025
• Business Insider interviewed more than 20 visa holders and applicants and analyzed federal filing data
• Three interviewees said they had left the US after their plans fell through

Empower survey: 34% of Americans may have lost track of savings from a former employer's plan

• 34% of Americans may have lost track of savings from a former employer's plan
• 50% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials are included
• The survey covered 2,005 U.S. adults from July 30 to Aug. 1, 2026

Some employers add employer-assisted housing benefits, which some see as more coveted than a 401(k) match

• Some employers are adding employer-assisted housing programs (EAHP), though they remain uncommon
• The report says the benefit could help recruit and retain staff
• One employee used the Nestment platform to close on a $1.4 million home

Paycom raises 2026 guidance as shares rise 63.3% year to date

• Paycom raised its 2026 guidance
• Shares are up 63.3% year to date
• The article says investors are weighing the effects of its AI-driven products and automation investment

Foundation missed Oct. 30 payroll, people familiar say; CEO borrowed $4.6 million

• According to people familiar, the company missed its Oct. 30 payroll
• CEO reportedly borrowed $4.6 million last year to buy a home
• According to people familiar, payroll was about two days late in August