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Dear Readers,

We hope this message finds you in good spirits. As the complex and frequently changing landscape of immigration continues to evolve, we remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping you informed and empowered every step of the way. In this edition of our Newsletter, we're thrilled to bring you the latest immigration news and essential updates directly from our law firm. Whether you're navigating visa processes, seeking insights into policy changes, or exploring pathways to your immigration goals, we're here to provide the guidance and support you need. Stay tuned for invaluable insights that will shape your journey to success.

USCIS Announces Strengthened Integrity Measures for H-1B Program

On Tuesday, USCIS announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of and prevent the potential for fraud in the H-1B visa registration process. The final rule contains provisions that will create a beneficiary-centric selection process for registrations by employers, codify start date flexibility for certain petitions subject to the congressionally mandated H-1B cap, and add more integrity measures related to the registration process. The beneficiary-centric selection process will eliminate the ability for applicants to game the system specifically through multiple registrations. Further, USCIS is also announcing the initial registration period dates for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap, and the launch of an online filing option for Forms I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for H-1B petitioners. The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024. During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary. 

For direct access to the USCIS announcement, click the button below.

H-1B Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program Begins as Demand Soars

As the domestic renewal pilot program for the H-1B visa begins, a select number of H-1B workers can apply to renew their visas without leaving the US for the first time in two decades. The State Department released the first 4,000 slots on Monday and will be accepting 20,000 workers over the next 5 weeks. The slots for the pilot program will be split equally between workers who recently received their H-1B specialty occupation visas at consulates in India and Canada. The program is expected to reduce the workload of consular processes abroad and increase the overall efficiency of the visa system. The pilot program also has the potential for expansion in the future, as it is currently being used to test US-based processing procedures.

Biden and Senators on Verge of Striking Immigration Deal Aimed at Clamping Down on Illegal Border Crossings

Three anonymous sources recently informed CBS News that Senate Republicans may be on the verge of striking an immigration deal with the White House and Senate Democrats. The deal is aimed at reducing the record number of illegal border crossings that have taken place over the past three years. Sources say the deal is to include new executive power to suspend asylum in between ports of entry when crossings exceed a certain threshold (average 5,000 a day over a week or over 8,500 a day). Even if a deal passes the Senate, it appears unlikely to pass the House, as many GOP Representatives are pushing for stricter changes than those rumored to be in the Senate compromise, especially with the recent statement from former President Trump who would “rather have no deal than a bad deal.” However, informed sources have reported that former president Trump is urging Republicans to oppose any deal.

Trump Praises Texas Governor as Border State Clashes with Biden Administration Over Immigration

On Saturday former President Trump publicly praised Texas Governor Abbot over his actions in the recently escalated border feud between the State of Texas and the Biden administration, the latest chapter being a refusal to allow federal agents into state land to remove razor wire. At a rally in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, Trump was quoted “When I’m president, instead of trying to send Texas a restraining order, I will send them reinforcements.” The article continues by interviewing several Latino voters who support Trump, expanding on the reasons behind his recent growth in popularity with the demographic.

Chicago to Extend Migrant Shelter Stay Limits Over Concerns About Housing, Employment

On Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city will again be extending its 60-day limit on shelter stays for asylum seekers. The policy change adds 30-60 more days for the nearly 14,000 migrants currently in the city’s 28 shelters and is aimed at giving people more time to resettle and find work. The earliest notices to leave the shelters will now come in mid-March, and migrants who newly enter the shelter system will be given the standard 60 days, with exceptions for those who are pregnant or ill.

Hispanic Caucus Urges New Direction in Immigration Talks

On Tuesday, amid the Senate negotiations over immigration policy, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released its immigration principles, a “wishlist” of migrant-and economic-focused policy proposals. In its “wishlist”, the CHC has reiterated its traditional positions: protect Dreamers, beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and farmworkers, provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, fund family reunification programs, speed up work permits for newly arrived migrants, and fund shelter space. The Caucus has also reportedly been excluded from the Senate negotiations, which have become a proxy battle for Trump vs Biden. The negotiations have been centered on ways to curtail asylum and further fortify the border without addressing calls to overhaul the legal immigration system. The White House did not return The Hill’s request for comment.

Texas Attorney General Refuses to Grant Federal Agents Access to Border Park: “Your Request is Hereby Denied”

Last Friday, Texas Attorney General Paxton rejected a request from the Biden administration to grant federal immigration officials full access to a park along the southern border that the state National Guard has sealed off with razor wire. This is the latest chapter in the Texas vs Biden border dispute. The park in question is Shelby Park near Eagle Pass; for three weeks Texas and the federal government have been clashing over control of the area, as it once served as a makeshift processing and holding site for Border Patrol due to it being a popular location for illegal border crossings. Texas National Guard took control of the area at the beginning of January. Attorney General Paxton stated in a letter that he would continue “Texas's efforts to protect its southern border against every effort by the Biden Administration to undermine the State's constitutional right of self-defense." While the Supreme Court has ruled that the Border Patrol is allowed to cut the razor wire Texas has put in place, it has not yet ruled on Texas’ seizure of Shelby Park.

Johnson Warns Senate on Immigration Talks and Vows to Impeach Mayorkas Soon

Last week in a letter, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that the border deal being negotiated in the Senate is “dead on arrival” if it resembles anything close to what is being reported through the grapevine. Speaker Johnson also mentioned that the House Homeland Security Committee is expected to draw up articles of impeachment for Secretary Mayorkas sometime this, or next, week. Speaker Johnson stated in a press release “Many of our constituents have asked an important question ‘What is the point of negotiating new laws with an administration that will not enforce the laws already on the books? If President Biden wants us to believe he is serious about protecting our national sovereignty, he needs to demonstrate his good faith by taking immediate actions to secure it. He should sign an order right now to end the mass release of illegals and dangerous persons into our country.” While Johnson is sticking to a hardline position, Senate Minority Leader McConnel maintains that the deal is a major opportunity for the party to make gains at the border and that funding for Ukraine is essential. NawLaw is closely following these developments.

Trump’s Cynical Sabotage of Immigration Reform

This opinion piece from The Hill argues that former President Trump’s, and various Republicans’, opposition to the emerging border deal in the Senate is primarily a political gamesmanship position. The argument is that since a bill that puts a damper on the crises at the border is ultimately good for President Biden in the upcoming election, Republicans don’t want any meaningful progress to be made so that Trump has better standing when it comes time to head to the voting booth. While this is entirely plausible, it’s worth noting that the reported contents of the emerging deal contain compromises that the House has had a long track record of shutting down. Further, the House passed a border bill last year that the Senate has not made moves on. As such, Republican opposition to the deal is entirely consistent with recent/past positions and isn’t anything new. That said, Trump has reportedly secretly attempted to pressure Senators to kill the bipartisan bill for the exact reason speculated by the author - a loss for Biden is a win for Trump.

Firm Announcement 📣

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Jude! 🎈🥳

We celebrate not only another year of your incredible journey but also nearly 24 years of your unwavering dedication at NawLaw. Your steadfast commitment, unparalleled work ethic, and infectious positivity have been a driving force behind our success.

As our esteemed Office Manager, your leadership, kindness, and attention to detail inspire us all to strive for excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions and wish you a birthday filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

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