News from DHS The links below contain important news from U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pertaining to U.S.Immigration. ----------------------------------------------------------------- DHS Publishes Interim Final Rule Extending OPT Period DHS Announces Interim Final Rule Extending OPT 17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students The E-Verify Program For Employment Verification E-Verify Manual Registration Process for State Workforce Agencies All Jurisdictions Meet Initial REAL ID Requirements Homeland Security And State Departments Announce WHTI Land And Sea Final Rule Publication of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Land and Sea Final Rule Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertof Most Jurisdictions Meet Initial REAL ID Requirements To Report Suspected Criminal Violations by USCIS Employees DHS Plans to Meet US-VISIT Goals - A Report from GAO Office of Special Counsel's Antidiscrimination Guidance for Employers Following the DHS Safe-Harbor Procedures DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport DHS Issues Supplemental Proposed Rule With Employer Guidance Regarding No-Match Letters Iraqi Refugee Processing Fact Sheet Issued by DHS DHS Secretary Chertoff’s Statement on USCIS Director Gonzalez’s Resignation, effective April 1, 2008 DHS Signs VISA Waiver Program Agreements with Estonia and Latvia DHS Issued a Five-Year Anniversary Fact Sheet on Progress and Priorities DHS Fact Sheet on Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Q & As from CIS Ombudsman Teleconference DHS Proposes Changes to Improve H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Airports in Atlanta, Houston & Chicago CIS Ombudsman Recommendations Status Chart DHS Increases Funding For REAL ID Grant Program and Extends Applications Deadline DHS Releases REAL ID Regulation CIS Ombudsman Q & As on the New Naturalization Test CIS Ombudsman Answers on Medical Waivers New Border Crossing Procedures Begin Jan. 31, 2008 DHS Releases REAL ID Regulation DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. Airport DHS and State of Arizona Partner to Further Advance secure Identification Initiatives DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Washington Dulles Airport US-Visit Brochure US-Visit Fact Sheet Statement by Homeland Security Secretary on the No-Match Appeal DHS Releases Reminder of New WHTI Requirements in 2008 DHS Issues Guidelines for Identifying Humanitarian Concerns in Worksite Enforcement Operations DHS Update on Success of Biometrics-at-Sea Pilot Program DHS Announces a Stakeholder Meeting on the Evaluation of E-Verify DHS Releases Fact Sheet on Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Advance Copy of Proposed Rule Regarding Issuance of Visa and Temporary Admission for HIV Positive Nonimmigrants DHS Final Rule On Exchange Visitor Program Fees DHS Releases Notice of Determination and Waiver Related to the Southern Border CIS Ombudsman Teleconference Schedule for November CIS Ombudsman Releases USCIS Receipting Delay Q&As Evaluation of DHS’ Information Security Program for Fiscal Year 2007 DHS Secretary Statement on the No-Match Ruling CIS Ombudsman's Teleconference on the Receipting Delay Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States CIS Ombudsman's Office Announces September 2007 Schedule for Community Call-In Teleconference DHS Reminds Carriers and Traveling Public About the End of the Temporary WHTI Accommodation DHS Security and the State of Arizona Team up to Advance Secure ID Initiatives Department of Homeland Security And The State Of Vermont Team Up To Advance Western Hemishpere Travel Initiative DHS Announces Predeparture Screening of International Passengers and First Step Toward Secure Flight Statement by Secretary Michael Chertoff on Passenger Name Record Data U.S. Citizens with Pending Passport Applications Allowed Temporary Travel Flexibility Within Western Hemisphere Statement by DHS Secretary on New Security Procedures for Processing Iraqi Refugees Seeking Resettlement in the United States DHS Provides List of Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Class of Admission Codes US-VISIT Moves Out of Biometric Exit Pilot Phase DHS Publishes Privacy Impact Assessments on the Web DHS Releases Guidance On Material Support DHS Announces ICE, CBP Name Change DHS will Hold Public Meeting on Driver’s License and ID Standards DHS Releases Privacy Impact Assessment of TRIP Rule DHS Issues REAL ID Proposed Guidelines DHS Releases Privacy Impact Assessment on Proposed REAL ID Driver's License Rule DHS Issues REAL ID Proposed Guidelines Passport Flexibility Proposed for Children Crossing Canadian Border DHS Launches Traveler Redress Inquiry Program Secretary Chertoff at a Press Conference Announces the DHS Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request Passport Requirement for Air Travel Begins DHS Secretary Chertoff on the Intention to Use Discretionary Authority for Material Support to Terrorism DHS to Launch Traveler Redress Inquiry Program DHS Releases Report on Treatment of ICE Detainees Passport Requirement for Air Travel Begins January 23 DHS Issues Privacy Impact Assessment of Coast Guard Mona Passage Biometrics Initiative DHS Issues Privacy Impact Assessment of ICE Electronic Travel Document System DHS Issues Privacy Impact Assessment of USCIS Background Check Service DHS Announces $12 Million for Operation Stonegarden to Support Local Border Security Efforts Press Conference on Identity Theft and Worksite Enforcement ICE Uncovers Large-Scale Identity Theft Scheme Used By Illegal Aliens Department of Homeland Security Semiannual Regulatory Agenda DHS and DOS Issue a Final Rule Notice on the First Phase of the WHTI DHS and State Announce Members of the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee EOIR Announces the Addition of Four Member Positions to the BIA USCIS Proposes Background Check Service Fact Sheet: Security Improvements to Visa Waiver Program DHS Announces Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee Meeting U.S. - Canada Safe Third Country Agreement Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Security Improvements to the Visa Waiver Program Appointment of Chad Sweet as the Department’s new Chief of Staff Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Resignation of the Chief of Staff Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Rule Outlines New Document Requirements for Air Travel Frequently Asked Questions: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative – Publication of the Air Final Rule Vast Majority of Visa Waiver Countries Meet Security Upgrade to e-Passports DHS Announces Termination of the Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status DHS Announces Technology Enhancements to Fingerprint Databases Increase Information to Federal, State and Local Partners Updates on the Visa Waiver Program Passport Requirement DHS Releases Information On Procedures Implementing EOIR Regulations DHS Announces Changes To Cuba Migration Policy DHS Announces about Additional Ports of Entry Will Use US-VISIT DHS Fact Sheet on Combating Fraudulent Documents DHS Highlights Best Practices For Maintaining Legal Workforces DHS Proposes Rule on Additional Enrollment in US-VISIT DHS Proposes Rule to Exempt Part of Biometric Records System from Privacy Act DHS Announces Republishing of System of Records Notice for Biometrics DHS Updates US-VISIT Privacy Impact Assessment DHS Extends TPS for Somalians DHS Announces 18-Month Extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) For Nationals of Somalia DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) For Somalia For 18 Months - Q&A DHS Proposes Rule Regarding Transmission of Passenger Data DHS Issues CIS Ombudsman Annual 2005 Report DHS Requests Comment on Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) DHS Closes Loophole by Expanding Expedited Removal to Cover Illegal Alien Families France Meets U.S. Requirements for E-Passports DHS Unveils Comprehensive Immigration Enforcement Strategy for the Nation’s Interior DHS Publishes Final Rule On Special Visas For Broadcasters DHS Completes International “e-Passport” Live Test DHS Announces Joint Task in 10 major U.S. cities to Combat Document and Benefit Fraud DHS Issues Q & A on Extension of TPS for Nicaraguans DHS Issues Q & A on Extension of TPS for Hondurans DHS Announces TPS Extensions for Hondurans and Nicaraguans EADs DHS Announces Temporary Protected Status Extension for El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua DHS Issues Notice for Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for US-VISIT DHS Inspector General Review on Vulnerabilities and Potential Abuses of the L-1 Visa Program DHS Seeks Comments on Revised Privacy Impact Assessment DHS Completes Foundation of Biometric Entry System at Land Ports DHS Issues Remarks on USA Patriot Act DHS Publishes Correction Notice on Chicago Lockbox Filings DHS Comment Request on Form I-212 Information Collection DOJ Motion Will Allow DHS to Apply Expedited Removal to Salvadorans DHS Provides Visa Waiver Program Report to Congress DHS Announces Long-Term Border and Immigration Strategy DHS Announces That Majority of VWP Countries Will Meet Digital Photo Deadline DHS Report on Over-Issued H-1Bs in Fiscal Year 2005 Text of DHS Appropriations Bill for FY 2006 DHS Receives $2.4 Billion Increase for 2006 Appropriations DHS Reminder Regarding Digital Photo Deadline for Passports US VISIT Begins Deployment of Biometric Entry Procedures to Additional Land Border Ports of Entry with Canada and Mexico DHS on Fee Waivers for Hurricane Katrina Victims San Diego Border Infrastructure System Cleared for Expedited Completion DHS Identifies Additional Point of Entry for US-VISIT Implementation DHS Expands Expedited Removal Authority Along Southwest Border Notice Regarding I-9 Documentation Requirements for Hiring Hurricane Victims DHS Announces Liberia TPS Extension US-VISIT Begins Testing Radio Frequency Identification Technology to Improve Border Security and Travel DHS Announces New Address Change Procedures For ABC Class Members DHS Announces Expansion of Second Phase of US-VISIT DHS Timeline for Visa Waiver Visitors DHS Announces 12-Month Extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) For Somalia Questions and Answers on Extension of Temporary Protected Status For Somalia DHS Issues Updated Form I-9 DHS Intends to Modify US-VISIT To Conduct Biometrics Technology Testing DHS to Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers DHS Begins US-VISIT Biometric Exit Pilot at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Machine Readable Passports Required For All Visa Waiver Program Travel as of June 26, 2005 DHS Federal Register Notice Of H-1B Visa Allocation DHS Issues Notice of Class Action Settlement in Ramos v Chertoff Case DHS Interim Rule Classifies Certain CIS Scientists of the Former Soviet Union and the Baltic States as Employment-Based Immigrants DHS Begins US-VISIT Biometric Exit Pilot at Philadelphia International Airport DHS Begins US VISIT Biometric Exit Pilot Procedures for Nonimmigrants Departing Through Atlanta ICE Proposes to Add SEVIS to DHS' Inventory of Records Systems DHS' Security Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee Meeting will be Held on April 6, 2005 DHS Seeks to Exempt Portions of SEVIS from Parts of Privacy Act DHS Releases Statistical Report for January 2005 Extension of Validity for Science Related Interagency Visa Clearances USCIS Announces H-2B One-step Application Process for U.S. Employers Seeking Workers to Perform Temporary Labor Homeland Security Announces Plans to Test Radio Frequency Technology at Land Borders DHS Begins US-VISIT Biometric Exit Pilot at Newark Airport DHS Announces Enhancement of Expedited Traveler Program Through New York’s JFK Airport DHS Announces Temporary Relief Measures for Nationals of Countries Affected by the Asian Tsunami DHS Announces Extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) For Nationals of El Salvador DHS US-VISIT Expanded to 50 Busiest Land Ports DHS Releases Statistical Report for October 2004 Department Of Homeland Security Publishes Its Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda DHS Proposes Rule for Removal of the Fixed Regulatory Time Limitations on Responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) DHS Proposes Rule for Adjustment of the Appeal and Motion Fees to Recover Full Costs DHS Launches Prototype Phase of New Biometric ID Card for Transportation Workers DHS Announces 18-Month Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua Department of Homeland Security Adopts Facial Recognition Standard Department of Homeland Security US-VISIT and Who Must Enroll Press Release and Fact Sheet Issued by DHS as Reminders on VWP Machine Readable Passport Requirements DHS Expands Authority To Collect Biometric Data For US VISIT DHS SEVIS Program Ramps Up for Fall Semester DHS Correction Notice Includes the Jacksonville Sea Port in US-VISIT DHS Announces Re-Designation Of Liberia TPS for One Year DHS Updates Entry And Exit Ports For US-VISIT DOS and DHS Security Request Extension of Requirement for Biometric Passport Issuance by VWP Countries DHS Extends Requirement for Biometric Passport Issuance by Visa Waiver Program Countries DHS and HHS Sign Statement of Principles on accompanied Alien Children DHS Publishes Notice Regarding H-1B Processing DHS Issues Interim Rule Regarding Re-Registration Requirements For the Special Registration Program DHS Issues Correction Notice to Nonimmigrant Aliens Subject To Be Enrolled in the the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology System DHS Issues Interim Rule Implementing First Phase of US-VISIT Program DHS Factsheet for Leadership and Management Strategies for Homeland Security Merger DHS Publishes Interim Rule which Eliminates Numerical Cap on Mexican TN Nonimmigrants DHS International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) for FY'03 DHS Releases Press Release, Fact Sheet and FAQ Regarding Changes to NSEERS Program back to top