Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status

In a news release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025. This decision is in response to the ongoing armed conflict and exceptional and temporary conditions in Cameroon, preventing individuals from safely returning.

USCIS Achieves Historic Milestone: 10 Million Immigration Cases Completed in FY 2023, Marking a Significant Backlog Reduction 1/2

Release Date: 02/09/2024 

In a groundbreaking achievement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released data showcasing its remarkable performance in fiscal year (FY) 2023. The agency has demonstrated substantial progress in key areas, including customer experience enhancement, employment-based immigration, naturalization processes, and humanitarian efforts.

Impact of ACICS Loss of Recognition on Immigration Programs

We want to bring to your attention the recent development regarding the loss of recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This decision, effective Aug. 19, 2022, has significant implications for certain immigration-related student programs and applicants, particularly those associated with English language study, 24-month STEM OPT extension, H-1B, and I-140 petitions.

Employment Authorization for Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees

In response to recent legislation, USCIS is implementing special provisions for certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees, ensuring they receive benefits similar to refugees. The legislation specifies that covered parolees are eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and benefits available to refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157).

Effective Nov.

USCIS Introduces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the availability of online filing for Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, for certain affirmative asylum applicants. While USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of the form by mail, this expansion of online filing aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for both the agency and stakeholders.

USCIS Announces Achievements in Backlog Reduction, Humanitarian Support, and Fiscal Responsibility

WASHINGTON – Today, USCIS unveiled its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 progress report (PDF, 1.08 MB), showcasing significant accomplishments in backlog reduction, support for humanitarian missions, and fiscal responsibility. The report provides a comprehensive overview of USCIS initiatives, including efforts to strengthen fiscal stability, implement adjudicatory efficiencies, enact policy measures, and execute agency-wide backlog reduction strategies.

DHS Proposes Rule to Modernize H-2 Temporary Visa Programs and Enhance Worker Protections

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated measures to fortify safeguards for temporary workers participating in the H-2A temporary agricultural and H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker programs (H-2 programs). In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published today, DHS aims to modernize and enhance the efficiency of the H-2 programs, providing increased flexibility and protections for participating workers.