Immigration News
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Justice Department Announces Tribal Consultations to Consider Legislative Proposals to Preserve Tribal Sovereignty and Address the Balance of Jurisdiction in Indian Country
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department announced today it will hold Tribal consultations around its consideration of legislative proposals to address the balance of jurisdiction in Indian country that was upended by the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta.
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Five Guatemalan Human Smugglers Charged in U.S. for 2021 Mass Casualty Event in Chiapas, Mexico
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
An international enforcement operation today resulted in the arrest of five Guatemalan human smugglers linked to the Dec. 9, 2021, mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico, where a semi-trailer truck containing at least 160 migrants — many of whom were Guatemalan nationals — crashed, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people and injuring over 100 more. The operation was the result of coordination between the Justice Department and Guatemalan authorities and marks the third anniversary […]
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Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Issues 2024 Report
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and White House Counsel Ed Siskel co-chaired a convening of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR) today where they announced the issuance of the 2024 LAIR Report. Attorney General Garland discussed the report and the role that data and research play in advancing access to justice through federal policymaking and government actions. The Department’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), which leads the work of LAIR, facilitated the convening. LAIR also […]
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Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Two Former High-Ranking Syrian Government Intelligence Officials for War Crimes against Americans and Other Civilians
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
An indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Illinois charging two high-ranking Syrian officials under former President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes. The indictment charges the former Syrian intelligence officials with engaging in a conspiracy to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the course of the Syrian civil war.
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Justice Department Sues South Carolina for Violating Americans with Disabilities Act
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department sued the State of South Carolina today for unnecessarily segregating adults with mental illness in adult care homes, in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. The department previously notified South Carolina of its findings of civil rights violations in a July 2023 letter, which identified steps that the state should take to remedy the violations.
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Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer Deliver Remarks at the Convening of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Thank you, Attorney General Garland and White House Counsel Siskel, for convening us today. And thank you to all of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable members for working to realize the mission of this body.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the Convening of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Thank you, Rachel. I am so grateful for your leadership.
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Five Guatemalan Human Smugglers Charged in U.S. for 2021 Mass Casualty Event in Chiapas, Mexico
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Worcester Police Department and City of Worcester, Massachusetts
on December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department announced today the findings from its pattern or practice investigation into conduct by the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Worcester Police Department (WPD).
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Justice Department Statements on U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Ruling in TikTok, et al. v. Garland
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department issued the following statements from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in TikTok, et al. v. Garland:
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Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller Delivers Keynote Address at the Practicing Law Institute’s White Collar Crime 2024 Program
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
I’m honored to be here today on behalf of the Department of Justice.The Department is committed to a three-part mission: to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and keep our communities and nation safe.
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Why I Work at DOJ: Paralegal Specialist
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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Five Current and Former Correctional Officers and One Nurse Indicted for Federal Civil Rights Violations
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A two-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging five current and former correctional officers and one correctional nurse with federal civil rights violations.
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Court Orders North Carolina Pharmacy to Pay $500,000 Penalty and Enters Injunction to Prevent Filling Illegal Controlled Substance Prescriptions
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A federal court ordered an Elkin, North Carolina, pharmacy to pay a $500,000 penalty and enjoined the pharmacy and its pharmacists from dispensing controlled substances, including opioids, without taking steps to help ensure the drugs will not be abused or diverted.
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Why I Work at DOJ: Bureau of Prisons
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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Why I Work at DOJ: Information Technology
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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Telemarketer Sentenced for $67M Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A Florida man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for his role in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud Medicare by billing over $67 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing.
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Chinese National and U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Charged for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of Defense
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A four-count indictment was unsealed today charging Hang Sun, also known as Cody Sun, with conspiracy, wire fraud, smuggling, and a violation of the Arms Export Control Act for his role in an illegal scheme to send export-controlled defense-related technical data to China and to unlawfully supply the Department of Defense (DOD) with Chinese-origin rare earth magnets for aviation systems and military items.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Healthcare Facility Services Provider to Resolve Citizenship Status Discrimination Claims
on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department announced today that it secured an agreement with Pennsylvania-based HCSG East LLC and its parent company, Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HCSG), a nationwide provider of housekeeping, laundry and food services for healthcare and nursing facilities. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that HCSG discriminated against non-U.S. citizens with permission to work in the United States when hiring at its Siler City, North Carolina, location, and engaged in […]
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Deadline Extended: Nominate FOIA Professionals for the 2025 Sunshine Week FOIA Awards
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The nomination period for the 2025 Sunshine Week FOIA Awards has been extended! Nominations are due by December 13, 2024.
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Justice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Reinforce Federal Protections for Servicemembers in Letter to Financial Services Providers
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a joint letter today reiterating financial services providers of their responsibility to recognize interest rate protections that exist for servicemembers, recent veterans and their spouses under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
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Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by Memphis Police Department and City of Memphis
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Sentenced for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor Funds
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $6.1 million in restitution stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme.
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McKinsey & Company Africa to Pay Over $122M in Connection with Bribery of South African Government Officials
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
McKinsey and Company Africa (Pty) Ltd (McKinsey Africa), which operates in South Africa as a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary of international consulting firm McKinsey & Company Inc. (McKinsey), will pay over $122 million to resolve an investigation by the Justice Department into a scheme to pay bribes to government officials in South Africa between 2012 and 2016. The guilty plea of a former McKinsey senior partner who participated in the bribery scheme was also unsealed. The Justice […]
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Extradited Nigerian National Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Business Email Compromise Scheme
on December 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, a Nigerian national, was sentenced yesterday in New Haven, Connecticut, to eight years in prison for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States.
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CBP will seize aluminum products manufactured using forced labor by Chinese-owned, Dominican based company
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on December 4, 2024 at 5:37 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L., the first Chinese-owned entity in the Dominican Republic, based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor in violation of 19 U.S…
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Tools Outage
by USCIS on December 3, 2024 at 3:41 pm
USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.
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USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap
by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 7:02 pm
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
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USCIS Now Requires Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record to be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants
by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 4:12 pm
We now require certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected.
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DHS, DOL Make Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas Available for Fiscal Year 2025
by USCIS on November 27, 2024 at 2:39 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary final rule (TFR) making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
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DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on November 26, 2024 at 2:58 pm
The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Determining Custody for Children Acquiring U.S. Citizenship
by USCIS on November 19, 2024 at 2:32 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration and Services is issuing guidance regarding the legal and physical custody requirements for purposes of acquisition of U.S. citizenship under section 320 and naturalization under section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
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DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
by USCIS on November 18, 2024 at 7:52 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (State), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the next 12 months.
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CBP’s Trade Regulatory Audit Directorate inaugurates a Laredo Field Office
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on November 15, 2024 at 9:21 pm
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Regulatory Audit Directorate announced that its Laredo Field Office has been instated, providing data and financial analysis expertise to assess U.S. trade law compliance and support civil…
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DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025
by USCIS on November 15, 2024 at 7:44 pm
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence Requirement for Naturalization
by USCIS on November 14, 2024 at 2:18 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that a naturalization applicant’s burden to demonstrate they have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence applies only to their initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or adjustment to LPR status.
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Immigration Medical Examination Documentation Will Be Valid Indefinitely for Certain Afghan Nationals
by USCIS on November 13, 2024 at 2:12 pm
We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3, to reflect that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely.
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CBP issues Withhold Release Order against Asli Maydi
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on November 1, 2024 at 1:34 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a withhold release order (WRO) against Asli Maydi, a frankincense supplier based in Somaliland, based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor in violation of 19 U.S.C…
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USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa
by USCIS on October 23, 2024 at 2:20 pm
We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule.
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DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States
by USCIS on October 17, 2024 at 2:33 pm
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allowing them the opportunity to request work authorization.
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CBP Commissioner Advances Bilateral Cooperation with El Salvador
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 15, 2024 at 11:14 pm
WASHINGTON – The United States took a major step toward enhancing economic security and strengthening partnerships in Central America last week when U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner…
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CBP modifies Withhold Release Order on Brightway Group in Malaysia
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 11, 2024 at 5:07 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) modified the withhold release order (WRO) issued on December 20, 2021 against disposable gloves produced by Brigthway Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Laglove (M) Sdn., and Biopro (M) Sdn. Bhd. (…
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USCIS Updates Guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule
by USCIS on October 10, 2024 at 1:06 pm
We have updated guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule in our Policy Manual to clarify the required triennial increase in investment, revenue, and other thresholds, and to clarify how we arrange biometrics appointments for certain applicants.
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USCIS Issues New Guidance on EB-1 Eligibility Criteria for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
by USCIS on October 2, 2024 at 1:08 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to further clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.
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USCIS Makes Additional Updates to Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act
by USCIS on September 25, 2024 at 2:19 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the Policy Manual (Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7), to clarify how to calculate the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age for noncitizens who demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.
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Guidance on Paying Fees and Completing Information for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
by USCIS on September 23, 2024 at 4:38 pm
Be sure to provide the correct payment and complete information when filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.
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USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Procedures for Liberians Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure
by USCIS on September 23, 2024 at 1:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Liberians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid through June 30, 2026.
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USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of Fiscal Year 2025
by USCIS on September 19, 2024 at 8:28 pm
We have received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Sept. 18 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2025.
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USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Green Card Renewals
by USCIS on September 18, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
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USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Green Card Renewals
by USCIS on September 18, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
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DHS Workforce on the Frontlines of Biden-Harris Administration’s New Executive Actions to Address Surge in De Minimis Shipments and Protect American Consumers, Workers, and Businesses
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on September 13, 2024 at 3:58 pm
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s workforce, particularly U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is on the front lines of the Biden-Harris Administration’s new executive actions, announced today, to protect American consumers,…
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USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
by USCIS on September 13, 2024 at 12:12 pm
On Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (Sept. 17 to 23).
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California Service Center Relocates
by USCIS on September 11, 2024 at 2:17 pm
On Aug. 12, the California Service Center (CSC) moved to a new facility as USCIS centralizes processing for immigration benefits.
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USCIS to Open International Field Office in Quito, Ecuador
by USCIS on August 30, 2024 at 5:55 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of an international field office in Quito, Ecuador on Sept. 10. The Quito Field Office will focus on increasing refugee processing capacity, consistent with USCIS commitments under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and helping reunite individuals with their family members already in the United States.
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CBP Achieves Historic Technology Modernization Milestone with Retirement of Mainframe-as-a-Service
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 30, 2024 at 2:28 pm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made a significant step forward in its information technology systems. At the end of last year, CBP officially shutdown CBP’s Mainframe as a Service, fully retiring CBP’s mainframe environment and…
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USCIS Updates Guidance for F/M Nonimmigrant Student Classification
by USCIS on August 27, 2024 at 1:06 pm
We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
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CBP to host virtual forced labor seminar for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands importers
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 26, 2024 at 12:25 pm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan Field Office extended today an invitation to importers and the business community to a virtual seminar regarding its enforcement of forced labor authorities. Forced labor…
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CBP Champions Trade Modernization Through Global Interoperability Standards Testing
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 19, 2024 at 3:50 pm
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the agency’s 2024-2025 plan to accelerate testing and adoption of global interoperability standards, kicking off a new testing phase for innovative trade technology. The agency will…
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DHS Implements Keeping Families Together
by USCIS on August 19, 2024 at 1:34 pm
The Department of Homeland Security today announced a Federal Register notice to implement Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
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USCIS Publishes Filing Guide for Keeping Families Together
by USCIS on August 16, 2024 at 4:18 pm
On Aug. 19, USCIS will begin accepting requests for, using a new electronic form, Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.
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CBP and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Urge Back-to-School Shoppers to Beware of Counterfeits
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 15, 2024 at 3:49 pm
WASHINGTON— As families welcome a new school year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are sharing tips for consumers to avoid counterfeit school supplies, which can cause real harm to consumers and their…
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CBP, DFW, dnata Cargo USA unveil nation’s first airside Centralized Examination Station
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 14, 2024 at 3:17 pm
DALLAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials from the Area Port of Dallas today joined with DFW airport officials and executives from dnata Cargo USA to publicly announce the opening of the nation’s first and only CBP Centralized…
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California Service Center Moving to New Address August 12
by USCIS on August 7, 2024 at 12:51 pm
On Aug. 12, the California Service Center will move to a new address. The new facility will help streamline processes by concentrating operations in the new location.
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Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2025 H-1B Regular Cap
by USCIS on August 5, 2024 at 1:04 pm
USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B regular cap numerical allocation.
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USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection for Regular Cap from Previously Submitted FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registrations
by USCIS on July 30, 2024 at 1:54 pm
In March, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.
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USCIS to Begin Triennial Investment and Revenue Threshold Updates for International Entrepreneur Rule
by USCIS on July 24, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, we will increase the investment and revenue thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule, as required every three years. The application fee will not change, however.
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CBP Field Ops to Host Annual Trade Day Event in Detroit
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 22, 2024 at 9:13 pm
DETROIT – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations will host the 13th Annual Trade Day at Huntington Place downtown, August 7 The free event is open to the public and will provide attendees with an opportunity to…
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on July 19, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 18, 2024, to March 17, 2026, due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Children’s Acquisition of Citizenship
by USCIS on July 18, 2024 at 1:14 pm
USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding provisions for children’s acquisition of citizenship.
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Reminders on the Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families
by USCIS on July 17, 2024 at 4:58 pm
On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process. This announcement is consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keep families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade.
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New Policy Guidance on Noncompliance with EB-5 Regional Center Program
by USCIS on July 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm
We are issuing policy guidance on new provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that cover consequences for noncompliance with the EB-5 Regional Center program.
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CBP Seizes Counterfeit Products Valued at Over Half a Million Dollars
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 11, 2024 at 4:46 pm
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Rochester port of entry seized a variety of designer items for bearing counterfeit trademarks, to include beauty products and dietary supplements. During the month of June,…
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on July 8, 2024 at 3:49 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to country conditions in Yemen that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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Norfolk CBP Cools Off Counterfeit Air Conditioners from China
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm
NORFOLK, Va. – A shipment of air conditioners from China got a chilly reception in Norfolk, Va., after U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized them on Thursday for bearing counterfeit Energy Star certification marks. The air conditioners were…
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3 Packages worth over $10M intercepted by Louisville CBP
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 3, 2024 at 4:36 pm
LOUISVILLE, Ky— In just 24 hours, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Port of Louisville seized three shipments containing a total of 2,387 pieces of jewelry including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings bearing designer…
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USCIS Updates Customer Service and Safe Address Procedures for Individuals Protected Under Confidentiality Provisions
by USCIS on July 3, 2024 at 2:22 pm
We have implemented provisions in the USCIS Policy Manual that provide guidance on customer service and safe address procedures for individuals protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367.
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 10:07 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti.
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USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2024 and Continues Its Commitment to Naturalization
by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 2:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming approximately 11,000 new citizens in more than 195 naturalization ceremonies between June 28 and July 5.
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TFTEA – One Year Later
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 6:39 pm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s complex border security mission includes protecting our nation’s economic vitality through both trade enforcement and facilitation. One year ago, on February 24, 2016, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement…
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U.S. Economic Engine: CBP Provides Horsepower
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 4:45 pm
Although many people recognize U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the agency securing our borders at and between ports across the nation, they may not recognize the critical role CBP plays in facilitating the movement of goods and cargo into the…
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100 Days and Counting…Protecting American Businesses, Helping Our Economy
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 2:35 pm
President Obama signs TFTEA into law on February 24, 2016, as CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske (far left) looks on. Photo Credit: Reuters A little over 100 days ago, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (…
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All Systems Go: CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 12:13 pm
One of CBP’s many responsibilities includes protecting our nation’s economic security while preventing the importation of harmful goods and products. That means ensuring the safety and efficiency of the supply chain, helping importers get their…
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USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Documents under Temporary Protected Status Designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan
by USCIS on June 20, 2024 at 5:46 pm
We are extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through March 9, 2025.
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USCIS Clarifies Guidance About How to Adopt a Child under the Hague Adoption Convention
by USCIS on June 14, 2024 at 1:51 pm
Effective June 14, 2024, we have updated the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5, Part D, to clarify how prospective adoptive parents can adopt a child under the Hague Adoption Convention.
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USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Customer Service and Confidentiality Protections for Certain Naturalized U.S. Citizens
by USCIS on June 12, 2024 at 1:21 pm
USCIS is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that interprets that the confidentiality protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 end at naturalization, which will allow naturalized U.S. citizens previously protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367 (specifically, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and those seeking or with approved T and U nonimmigrant status) the ability to fully access e-filing and other customer service tools.
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USCIS Issues Guidance on In-Person Filing for Certain SIJ Petitioners
by USCIS on June 6, 2024 at 1:28 pm
We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how certain petitioners for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widower, or Special Immigrant.
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USCIS Shifts Workload for Form I-730 Following-to-Join Refugee Petitions
by USCIS on May 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Effective May 6, 2024, all Forms I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, filed for following to join refugees (FTJ-R) are being processed at the USCIS International Operations Division rather than the Asylum Vetting Center.
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CBP Increases Transparency in Proprietary Investigations
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 29, 2024 at 3:59 pm
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a process that will allow authorized individuals to access business confidential information in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) administrative proceedings, increasing transparency in…
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USCIS Updates Guidance for Family-Based Immigrant Visas
by USCIS on May 22, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Effective May 22, 2024, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on family-based immigrant visa petitions (including Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and, in limited situations, family-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), including explaining how we handle correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status on the beneficiary’s behalf, and routing procedures for approved petitions.
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CBP Honors 11 Heroes at Annual Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 20, 2024 at 1:50 pm
Uniformed personnel stood at attention May 16 as agents and officers escorted the families and loved ones of each of CBP’s fallen heroes honored this year at the CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Woodrow Wilson Plaza outside CBP…
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CBP improves Republic of Korea steel exports with Electronic Certification System
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 16, 2024 at 3:02 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Republic of Korea held a ribbon cutting ceremony May 15 to celebrate the deployment of the Electronic Certification System (eCERT) to the Republic of Korea. The new government-to-…
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USCIS Announces New FY 2024 Funding Opportunity Under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
by USCIS on May 15, 2024 at 2:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.
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USCIS Opens Additional San Francisco Asylum Office Location
by USCIS on May 13, 2024 at 6:37 pm
USCIS’ San Francisco Asylum Office is opening an additional temporary location in Oakland, California. Effective May 15, 2024, asylum applicants under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office may receive an interview notice to appear at the asylum office located in Oakland instead of San Francisco.
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USCIS Clarifies Policy on Location of H-3 Training
by USCIS on May 8, 2024 at 1:06 pm
We have issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying when H-3 nonimmigrants may participate in training provided on the property of an academic or vocational institution.
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Centralized Intake Processing of VAWA Self-Petitions and Related Filings at the Nebraska Service Center
by USCIS on May 7, 2024 at 6:11 pm
Effective April 1, 2024, we centralized the intake process of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and related filings under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents at the Nebraska Service Center.
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USCIS Celebrates Its Employees During Public Service Recognition Week
by USCIS on May 6, 2024 at 2:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) 2024. Celebrated annually during the first full week in May since 1985, PSRW is a time set aside to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees.
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USCIS Reminds Certain Employment-Based Petitioners to Submit the Correct Required Fees
by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 7:36 pm
We are updating our Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule to help certain employment-based petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees.
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USCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims
by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) and ensure eligible victims of human trafficking can access protections and stabilizing benefits on a timely manner.
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USCIS Announces Open Application Period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
by USCIS on April 24, 2024 at 5:42 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
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USCIS to Open International Field Offices in Qatar and Turkey
by USCIS on April 23, 2024 at 2:54 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey, to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships, and facilitate interagency cooperation.