On December 19, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has secured an agreement with Burford's Construction LLC, an Alabama-based contractor that provides vegetation clearing and maintenance for electrical utility companies and municipalities. The...
Topic: Immigration Updates
Deportations At Highest Level Since 2014, ICE Says
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) annual report released December 19, 2024, deportations from the United States are at their highest level since 2014. Selected highlights include: During FY 2024, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations...
USCIS Updates Guidance on Case Assistance or Feedback
On December 18, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is updating its Policy Manual to reflect available avenues for case assistance or feedback. Specifically, the update: Recommends that stakeholders submit changes of address...
DHS Final Rule Updates H-2A, H-2B Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule updating programs for temporary agricultural (H-2A) and temporary nonagricultural (H-2B) nonimmigrant workers. DHS said the rule, effective January 17, 2025, "seeks to strengthen worker protections and...
DHS Final Rule Updates H-1B Program, Form I-129
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule, effective January 17, 2025, that will "significantly enhance U.S. companies' ability to fill job vacancies in critical fields, strengthening our economy." The new rule "modernizes the H-1B program by...
Navigating Immigration Uncertainty: Guidance for Campuses from Steve Yale-Loehr
In the article "Tips for Advising Campuses in a Time of Immigration Uncertainty," co-authored by Steve Yale-Loehr and published on December 18, 2024, Steve provides guidance to higher education institutions navigating the complexities of immigration policies following...
Miller Mayer’s Steve Yale-Loehr on Birthright Citizenship
Steve was quoted by Salon.com in Experts Pour Cold Water on Trump's Plan to End Birthright Citizenship—But Issue a Stark Warning. He said that ending birthright citizenship could affect U.S.-born children's parents and other relatives, such as by potentially...
DHS Terminates Arrival Restrictions for Flights Carrying Travelers From Rwanda
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated arrival restrictions applicable to flights to the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, Rwanda. The previous restrictions directed such flights to...
Medical Exam/Vaccination Record That Is Properly Completed and Signed May Be Used Indefinitely As Evidence
On December 9, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminded stakeholders that a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that is properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023,...
ETA Previews Upcoming AEWRs for Range and Non-Range H-2A Applications
On December 12, 2024, the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced that it will soon publish two Federal Register notices updating the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for range and non-range H-2A applications. The first notice...
