WR Immigration News Digest

Feb 13, 2025 | Immigration Updates

DHS Terminates 2023 Venezuela TPS, 2021 Designation Still Valid

On February 5, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals under the 2023 designation, effective April 7, 2025. This does not affect Venezuelan nationals covered under the 2021 TPS designation, which remains valid until September 10, 2025. A legal challenge to the termination of the 2023 designation is anticipated, which may impact future developments.

Impact: Global mobility teams should review the status of affected employees and prepare for potential changes in work authorization.

Trump Offers U.S. Refuge to South Africa’s Afrikaners Amid Aid Cut

On February 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order halting foreign aid to South Africa and directing priority resettlement for Afrikaner refugees facing government-sponsored racial discrimination, including property confiscation. The order instructs the Departments of State and Homeland Security to prioritize Afrikaners for admission through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. However, some Afrikaner groups have expressed their desire to remain in South Africa.

Impact: Global mobility teams should monitor this development for potential impacts on refugee admissions and resettlement processes, particularly for affected employees or candidates.

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Labor Dept. Requests Comments on Attestation for Employers Seeking to Employ H-2B Nonimmigrant Workers

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval an Employment and Training Administration (ETA)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) for attestations for employers seeking to employ H-2B nonimmigrant workers. DOL invites public comments on the ICR by June 30, 2023. The ICR supports the temporary final rule, “Exercise of Time-Limited Authority to Increase the Numerical Limitation for FY 2023 for H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program and Portability Flexibility for H-2B Workers Seeking to Change Employers,” which is being promulgated by DOL and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Details:

WR Immigration News Digest

DOJ Signals Shift Towards Denaturalization and Local Immigration Enforcement On June 11, 2025, the DOJ Civil Division outlined new enforcement priorities under the Trump administration that could affect employers and sponsored talent. The memo emphasizes increased civil denaturalization efforts, particularly in cases involving alleged misrepresentation during the immigration or naturalization process. While certain categories are prioritized, the DOJ retains discretion to pursue cases beyond those listed. The memo also signals a renewed focus on challenging state and local “sanctuary” policies that the DOJ views as conflicting with federal immigration law. Impact: These shifts may lead to increased legal exposure for naturalized employees and heightened scrutiny in jurisdictions with sanctuary protections, prompting mobility teams to assess risk, revisit past filings, and support affected employees proactively. Court Blocks Early Termination of TPS for Haiti On July 1, 2025, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti ahead of schedule. Just days earlier, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced that TPS for nearly 500,000 Haitian nationals would end on August 3, 2025, with termination effective September 2. Citing improved country conditions and national interest concerns, DHS had urged Haitian nationals to prepare for […]