Additional 64,716 H-2B Visas for Nonagricultural Workers
Moving on to details, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.
Sample Employment Agreements for Domestic Workers
Next up, to ease up employment for domestic workers, The US Department of Labor has published sample employment agreements for cleaners, home care workers and nannies. The agreements are not required by law, but can be used as a starting point for employers and employees to discuss and create a shared understanding of the terms of employment. The agreements cover topics such as job duties, pay, hours of work, benefits, and termination.
U.S. Senators Call for Improved Migrant Work Authorization Access
Lately, U.S. Senators Call for Improved Migrant Work Authorization Access. The senators are urging the Department of Homeland Security to enhance migrants’ access to work authorization documents, addressing challenges such as long waiting periods and high fees. The Senators propose solutions, including provisional work authorizations for new arrivals, waiving EAD application fees for selected parolees, and enhancing USCIS access to Customs and Border Protection data. Notable issues include a minimum 6-month waiting period for asylum seekers and a substantial 1.6 million EAD application backlog at USCIS.
USCIS Extends Parole by Two Years for Certain Afghan Nationals
Moving on, USCIS Extends Parole by Two Years for Certain Afghan Nationals Under Age 14 The U.S. government is extending the initial permission to stay (parole) for certain Afghan minors who came to the U.S. between July 2021 and September 2022. These minors must be under 14 years old as of September 26, 2023, and have not applied for certain immigration forms yet. This extension helps them access important benefits and keep their legal status while they navigate the complex immigration process. It’s part of the U.S. government’s effort to support Afghan nationals who helped the United States and are seeking safety in the U.S.
180-Day Extention for Certain Employment Authorisation Applicants
Last but not least, big update for employment immigration. Renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765 timely, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is pending. Starting today, those who are eligible will receive 180-day extensions in accordance with existing regulations, including those who have applied for or have received Temporary Protected Status or asylum.
Source: USCIS & AILA
