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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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Immigration Update

In this edition, find the latest news on H-2B Cap, Visa Final Action Dates, H-1B Registration, and much more! USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024, Announces Filing Dates for Supplemental Visas U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 8, 2024, that it has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ends September 30, 2024. USCIS also announced the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. March 7, 2024, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date on or after April 1, 2024, and before October 1, 2024. USCIS said it is rejecting new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after March 7, 2024, that request an employment start date within that range. USCIS said it continues to accept H-2B petitions that are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes petitions for: Below are the filing start dates for each of the remaining supplemental visa allocations under the rule: USCIS said it will stop accepting petitions under the temporary final […]

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WR Immigration News Digest

Policy Update: U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Reduced to 12 Months On February 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of State implemented a policy change reducing the eligibility period for interview waiver (Dropbox) appointments from 48 months to 12 months. This change applies immediately and affects applicants submitting passports for visa renewal at consular locations, including those who scheduled appointments months in advance under the previous 48-month eligibility rule. Applicants who no longer meet the revised criteria must now schedule a new appointment for a consular interview. Impact: Global mobility teams should review upcoming visa renewals, identify affected employees, and assist with rescheduling consular appointments as needed. OFLC to Remove Older Records from FLAG System On February 14, 2025, the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced that, starting March 20, 2025, records older than five years will be deleted from the Foreign Labor Access Gateway (FLAG) System. Deletions will be based on the final determination date recorded in FLAG. For example, cases with a final determination date of March 21, 2020, will be removed on March 21, 2025. OFLC advises stakeholders to download any records they wish to retain before they become eligible for deletion. Affected Programs: […]

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