The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing special employment benefits to F-1 students from Haiti facing economic hardship due to the crisis there. Starting August 4, 2024, eligible students can request work authorization, increase work hours, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status until February 3, 2026.

Starting June 26, 2024, F, M, and J non-immigrant students and exchange visitors who receive Form I-515A at U.S. entry points must email their documents to SEVP instead of mailing them. This change speeds up processing and reduces costs, with email submissions accepted until September 30, 2024.

Effective July 12, 2024, USCIS will end confidentiality protections at naturalization for VAWA self-petitioners and those with T and U nonimmigrant status. This change allows these naturalized citizens full access to e-filing and customer service tools, improving case processing and communication with USCIS. This update addresses requests from stakeholders and enhances support for beneficiaries.

Effective June 14, 2024, USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to clarify the process for adopting a child under the Hague Adoption Convention. The update consolidates existing guidance, explains eligibility, outlines the required order of immigration and adoption steps, and clarifies requirements for adoption service providers. This ensures adherence to Hague Convention standards to protect children’s best interests.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced measures on June 18, 2024, to speed up employment-based nonimmigrant visas for U.S. college graduates with job offers. The new guidelines will help consular officers recommend waivers of ineligibility faster, making it easier for eligible individuals to receive their work visas.

USCIS has extended the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan through March 9, 2025. Affected individuals will receive a Form I-797, Notice of Action. Current beneficiaries must re-register to maintain their TPS benefits. DHS previously extended re-registration periods for submitting TPS applications.

On June 3, 2024, the US President signed a Proclamation under the Immigration and Nationality Act, suspending the entry of certain noncitizens at the southern border due to emergency circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule to address asylum eligibility and entry conditions. The rule takes effect on June 5, 2024.

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to allow certain Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitioners to file Form I-360 in person at a USCIS field office if they have less than two weeks before their 21st birthday. This policy, effective March 30, 2023, aims to address filing challenges due to juvenile court delays. For others, Form I-360 must be filed by mail.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the designation of Myanmar for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from May 26, 2024, to November 25, 2025. Existing beneficiaries must re-register within the 60-day period to retain TPS. Additionally, Myanmar is redesignated for TPS, allowing new applicants who have resided in the U.S. since March 21, 2024, to apply.

The Office of Children’s Issues is addressing concerns from Poland about missing post-adoption reports from U.S. parents. These reports are crucial for ensuring intercountry adoption remains viable. The State Department urges parents to submit timely reports to support Poland’s positive experience with U.S. adoptions. Reports are required annually for three years and then every three years until the child turns 18.

On September 8, 2023, the DOJ proposed rescinding the enjoined December 2020 Final Rule, which limited the authority of immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals. After public comments, the rule is finalized with minor changes to maintain the current status quo, aiming to improve case efficiency and protect due process. This final rule takes effect on July 29, 2024.

Starting May 6, 2024, USCIS will process all Forms I-730 for follow-to-join refugees at the International Operations Division instead of the Asylum Vetting Center. Pending petitions will be automatically transferred to improve efficiency in family reunification. Petitioners will receive transfer notices and must ensure their mailing addresses are up-to-date. Filing locations remain unchanged at the USCIS Texas Service Center.