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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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Site Visits & Compliance in 2025 | The Business Immigration Benchmark (040)

By Laura Bloniarz Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more! In this week’s episode of The Business Immigration Benchmark, I sat down with WR Immigration Managing Partner Bernard Wolfsdorf to discuss the latest compliance challenges, increased site visits, and what global mobility leaders should prepare for in 2025. With immigration enforcement ramping up under the new administration, ensuring compliance has never been more critical. For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities. Key Takeaways: 1. Increased Site Visits & Audits: Employers should be prepared for heightened scrutiny, including worksite visits by FDNS officers, ICE audits, and I-9 inspections. Having clear internal protocols and training front desk staff on how to handle site visits is crucial. 2. Compliance Best Practices: Bernie emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date I-9s, H-1B public access files, and PERM documentation. Regular internal audits can help identify and correct errors before an inspection occurs. 3. Managing Foreign National Anxiety: With policy changes and increased enforcement, foreign national employees are facing higher uncertainty. Employers should proactively communicate updates, ensure petition […]

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Global Newsletter

In this look around the globe, find the latest immigration news regarding Brazil’s re-introduction of visa requirements, Canada’s announcement of new post-graduation work permit measures and the UK’s upcoming electronic travel authorization scheme. But first, we start with this month’s WReview and WR Updates. WReview: Working as a Tourist? Challenges and Risks of Short-Term Assignments and Business Travel With the complexities and time involved in obtaining a work visa many clients ask us why their employees can’t simply travel for work on a tourist visa or visa waiver basis. While this may seem like an easy and expedient option, it is unfortunately fraught with risks for both the traveler and the company involved. Depending on the rules of the country the employee is traveling to, even short-term business travel to perform activities such as giving training, conducting an audit, or installing or troubleshooting a system or product, may require a work visa. If the employee is detected traveling without the appropriate work visa, the best-case scenario is that they will simply be denied entry, detained briefly at the airport, and sent back to their home country on the next available flight. Note that even in such a scenario, they may […]

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