On October 30, 2023, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order regarding the “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The Executive Order (EO) directs departments and agencies throughout the government, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS), to develop plans and policies to establish
Biden Administration
Israeli Citizens, Nationals Can Apply for Visa Waiver Program Beginning Oct. 19
Beginning on October 19, 2023, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can apply for visa-free travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Israel’s entrance into the VWP was originally scheduled to begin on November 30, 2023, but that has been moved up based…
DHS to Propose Amending H-1B, F-1 Regulations
By Amy L. Peck on
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will soon be issuing a new proposed rule: Modernizing H-1B Requirements and Oversight and Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program.
The abstract of the proposed rule indicates:
Details Available for Applications for TPS and TPS-Based Employment Authorization Documents for Venezuelans
By Forrest G. Read IV on
At the end of September, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. The detailed instructions are now available in the Federal Register.
The 18-month extension of TPS and employment authorization for those who already have TPS runs from March 11, 2024, until September 10…
TPS Extended, Redesignated for Cameroon
By Forrest G. Read IV on
Posted in Biden Administration, EADs, Humanitarian Programs, I-9 and E-Verify, TPS, US Immigration, USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from Cameroon from December 8, 2023, until June 7, 2025. The extension will affect approximately 2,000 individuals. Under the redesignation, approximately 8,000 people will be eligible to apply for initial TPS designation. To take advantage of…
TPS Extension and Redesignation for Afghanistan and Venezuela
By Forrest G. Read IV on
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan and Venezuela.
TPS for Afghanistan will be extended and redesignated for 18 months, from November 21, 2023m to May 20, 2025. Those who already have TPS (approximately 3,100 individuals) should re-register and apply for a renewal of…
Israel Added to Visa Waiver Program
On September 27, 2023, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas announced that Israel will join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Pursuant to the designation, beginning on November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to apply online through ESTA to travel to the United States on the VWP.
The…
DACA Final Rule is Unlawful, Judge Says
By Robert J. O'Kosky II on
Posted in Biden Administration, Congress, DAPA / DACA, EADs, Immigration Litigation, Legislation, USCIS
In the latest decision in the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) saga, Judge Andrew Hanen in the Southern District of Texas has found that the new DACA Final Rule issued by the Biden Administration was unlawful. In addition, he expanded the original July 16, 2021, injunction and order of vacatur to cover the…
TPS for South Sudan Extended
By Forrest G. Read IV on
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due the ongoing armed conflict and other ongoing extraordinary conditions.
The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate and redesignate a “foreign country for TPS due to conditions…
Changes Coming to U.S. Citizenship Test
By Beth E. Boyer on
Posted in Biden Administration, Citizenship, Green Cards, Permanent Residence, US Immigration, USCIS
Green card holders who seek naturalization are required to pass a civics test and demonstrate English proficiency. The test used for this was developed in 2008, and the Biden Administration has announced it is updating the test. The changes are going to be tested in the coming months, and USCIS plans to implement them…