As previously reported (02.Oct.2015), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted a new proposed rule on STEM optional practical training (OPT) for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Notice of the submission is available online, but, at present, no specifics regarding the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that "… petitions filed on or after October 1, 2015, should not include the additional fee that was previously required by … Public Law 111-230 … for certain H1B and L-1 petitions." This filing fee, which only...
According to reports in both the United States and Indian press, progress has been made toward including India in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program. This program facilitates travel by individuals who have undergone additional security checks. Prescreened, low-risk travelers participating...
Congress approved a spending bill late this afternoon that will fund the federal government's operations through December 11, 2015. This serves to avoid a government shutdown, at least for the next two months.The bill passed today was also used to extend the regional center (RC)...
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) periodically releases updated information reflecting the number, type, and location of F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. One key highlights in the August 2015 report is a small, but notable decrease in the number of F-1 and...
Because of a political fight at the federal level related to the annual budget, there is a possibility that the U.S. government will be forced to temporarily shut down, starting October 1, 2015. Such shutdowns are rare and there still is a chance that it...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Yemen for temporary protected status (TPS) due to ongoing armed conflict in that country. Effective September 3, 2015, nationals of Yemen living in the United States may be eligible to apply for permission to remain in...
On August 12, 2015, the decision was issued by a U.S. district court that will serve to terminate the 17-month optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 STEM students unless the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addresses the matter within the next 6...
On August 12, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not follow proper procedures when they created the STEM OPT extension regulation. Thus, the Court vacated or struck down the regulation, effective February...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched eFOIA a new, free mobile application that allows users to submit and track Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This is part of an ongoing effort to improve the FOIA process and response time within the DHS. DHS...
