HSI Baltimore-led investigation leads to the seizure of domain name purporting to be the website of the US Department of Labor

 BALTIMORE - Special agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore field office served a federal seizure warrant for the fraudulent internet website us-dolbids.com, in the District of Maryland January 26. The HSI-led investigation and seizure of the duplicitous website, which purported to be the official website for the United States Department of Labor, was a joint effort, in which HSI received significant assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-baltimore-led-investigation-leads-seizure-domain-name-purporting-be-website-us

Contact Darren Heyman,
immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Updates Guidance on National Interest Waivers

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated guidance on adjudicating requests for “National Interest Waivers” regarding job offer and labor certification requirements for certain advanced degree professionals and individuals of exceptional ability. This includes discussing the unique considerations for persons with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and entrepreneurs.

Consistent with this Administration’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration under President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, USCIS is clarifying how the national interest waiver can be used by STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, as well as the significance of letters from governmental and quasi-governmental entities. The updated guidance also serves to promote effective and efficient processing of benefits consistent with the executive order. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-national-interest-waivers

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using our online H-1B registration system.

USCIS will assign a confirmation number to each registration submitted for the FY 2023 H-1B cap. This number is used solely to track registrations; you cannot use this number to track your case status in Case Status Online. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2023-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-1

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS Announces Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for First Half of Fiscal Year

 WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the availability of 20,000 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers that are facing irreparable harm without additional workers and seeking to employ additional workers on or before March 31, 2022.

“DHS is taking action to address the needs of our economy by making an additional 20,000 H-2B visas available to workers,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “We are providing employers with the resources and support needed to sustain their businesses while expanding lawful pathways to the United States. At the same time, DHS and DOL are protecting against the exploitation of H-2B workers.” Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-availability-of-additional-h-2b-visas-for-first-half-of-fiscal-year

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance for O-1 Petitions with a Focus on STEM Fields

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on petitions filed for individuals in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, as well as how USCIS determines whether an O-1 beneficiary’s prospective work is within their area of extraordinary ability or achievement.

Individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics may be eligible for O-1A classification. The new update provides examples of evidence that may satisfy the O-1A evidentiary criteria and discusses considerations that are relevant to evaluating such evidence, with a focus on the highly technical nature of STEM fields and the complexity of the evidence often submitted. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-clarifying-guidance-for-o-1-petitions-with-a-focus-on-stem-fields

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Updates Guidance on Expedite Requests

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect new guidance on how we determine whether a case warrants expedited treatment. The new guidance is effective immediately.

This update:

• Clarifies the criteria and circumstances under which we generally consider expedite requests from nonprofit organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;
• Provides additional examples of when we may consider expedite requests made by federal, state, or local agencies, including labor and employment agencies;

Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-expedite-requests

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Department of State Temporarily Extends and Expands In-Person Interview Waivers for Certain Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants

 The Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants with approved petitions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To start, the Department of State has extended its prior policy of allowing consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for foreign nationals applying for a non-immigrant visa in the same classification as previously issued, and whose visa expired within the past 48 months. This authority has been extended indefinitely. Read more at: https://www.natlawreview.com/article/department-state-temporarily-extends-and-expands-person-interview-waivers-certain

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI investigation leads to conviction for harboring undocumented workers

 COVINGTON, Ky. — Following a three-day jury trial in federal court, an Alexandria, Kentucky, couple was convicted of harboring undocumented workers.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Carlton S. Shier, IV, and HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, made the announcement on Friday.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) working with the Alexandria (Kentucky) Police Department. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-investigation-leads-conviction-harboring-undocumented-workers

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

U.S. State Department Moves to Cut Visa Wait Times

 The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has made it very challenging for U.S. employers in timely need of temporary foreign workers on nonimmigrant visas to run their businesses and for U.S. educational institutions seeking to educate international students and employ temporary international faculty members.

On Dec. 23, 2021, the U.S. Department of State, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, made additional efforts to reduce wait times for issuance of U.S. visas to such foreign nationals. Read more at: https://www.cbia.com/news/hr-safety/u-s-state-department-visa-wait-times/

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI Dallas collaboration with federal, state and city law enforcement agencies lead to dismantlement of large-scale retail theft ring

 DALLAS – Twenty-nine members of a large-scale theft ring operating from northeastern Oklahoma were charged by federal and state prosecutors for their roles in an organization whose operations crossed state lines, resulting in more than $10 million in losses to retailers, announced acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Miller, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District Oklahoma and Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-dallas-collaboration-federal-state-and-city-law-enforcement-agencies-lead

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Indiana man sentenced in NM to 18 years in prison for sex trafficking conspiracy, following ICE HSI investigation

 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An Indiana man was sentenced Monday in federal court to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud and coercion and aiding and abetting.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Albuquerque special agents investigated the case with assistance from the Bernalillo (NM) County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew “Stacks” Woods, 32, pleaded guilty on June 8. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/indiana-man-sentenced-nm-18-years-prison-sex-trafficking-conspiracy-following-ice-hsi

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced clarifying guidance on how we determine whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a case has elements of both.

Individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry may be eligible for O-1B classification. The updated guidance will help officers and petitioners determine whether a beneficiary falls into the arts category or the motion picture and television category. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-clarifying-guidance-on-o-1-nonimmigrants-in-arts-vs-motion-picture-and-television

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information. 

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

 USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the Marshall fire in Colorado. 

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request: 

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;  

• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;  

• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;  

Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/immigration-help-available-to-those-affected-by-natural-disasters-and-other-unforeseen-circumstances-0

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI El Paso shows support for victims of human trafficking, educate community during awareness campaign

 EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together Jan. 11, to show solidarity for victims of human trafficking, while pushing to educate the community on the various signs of the various forms of the crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-el-paso-shows-support-victims-human-trafficking-educate-community-during

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI Chicago unites in support of human trafficking victims, enhances public awareness

 CHICAGO - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together January 11, to show solidarity for survivors of human trafficking, while raising awareness and sharing red flag indicators to educate the community on this heinous crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire on January 11 and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-chicago-unites-support-human-trafficking-victims-enhances-public-awareness

Contact Darren Heyman,
immigration attorney, for more information.

Third gang member sentenced to prison for series of truck stop ATM robberies, related assault

 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A third Houston-area gang member was ordered to federal prison Wednesday for his role in a string of ATM robberies at truck stops in Texas and Louisiana and for a related assault of a good Samaritan who tried to intervene in one of the robberies.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Corpus Christi with assistance from sheriff’s offices in Live Oak, Angelina, Brazoria, Wharton, Medina and Cass Counties in Texas; and police departments in Angleton, Cleveland, Seguin and Lufkin, Texas, as well as Vinton, Louisiana. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/third-gang-member-sentenced-prison-series-truck-stop-atm-robberies-related-assault

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI Kansas City asks for public to support victims of human trafficking during national awareness campaign

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together January 11, to show solidarity for victims of human trafficking, while pushing to educate the community on the various signs of the various forms of the crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-kansas-city-asks-public-support-victims-human-trafficking-during-national

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Law enforcement officers in Arizona shows support for victims of human trafficking, educate community during awareness campaign

 PHOENIX, Ariz. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together January 11, to show solidarity for victims of human trafficking, while pushing to educate the community on the various signs of the various forms of the crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/law-enforcement-officers-arizona-shows-support-victims-human-trafficking-educate

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI Nashville shows support for victims of human trafficking, educate community during awareness campaign

 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together January 11, to show solidarity for victims of human trafficking, while pushing to educate the community on the various signs of the various forms of the crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-nashville-shows-support-victims-human-trafficking-educate-community-during

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Looking Forward: U.S. Immigration Predictions for 2022

 In 2020, the United States experienced the highest number of arrests in history by the Border Patrol at the Mexican border, a dramatic decline in deportations (including the deportation of convicted criminals), and the granting of work permits and Social Security numbers to an estimated one million illegal immigrants. With the Biden administration’s disregard for immigration control and an apparent desire to effectively legalize illegal immigration, the Center for Immigration Studies approaches the new year with pessimism mixed with hope for the long term.

Experts at the Center share their views on the important immigration stories likely to occupy the news in 2022. Read more at: https://cis.org/CIS/Looking-Forward-US-Immigration-Predictions-2022

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE announces use of body worn camera in new pilot program

 The deployment of body worn cameras will occur in phases throughout the United States, beginning with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and to be followed by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers at a later date. The HSI pilot locations are Houston, TX; New York City, N.Y.; and Newark, N.J. The HSI phase of the pilot will be conducted with members of the special response teams (SRT) that operate as a federal special weapons and tactics (SWAT) element for the office’s area of responsibility. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-announces-use-body-worn-camera-new-pilot-program

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Brazil, ICE HSI investigation prevents a neo-Nazi group’s planned mass casualty attack on New Year’s Eve

 WASHINGTON – Investigative efforts by Brazilian authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in online threats, hate crimes, and the planning of mass casualty events.

On Dec. 16, state police and prosecutors’ offices across seven Brazilian states executed 31 search warrants and four arrests based on investigative leads provided by HSI to the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP). While executing the search warrants, Brazil police found homemade explosives, weapons, Nazi paraphernalia, and detailed plans of future attacks. One of the perpetrators later stated that he was planning to use these explosives during a New Year’s celebration in the state of São Paulo. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/brazil-ice-hsi-investigation-prevents-neo-nazi-groups-planned-mass-casualty-attack

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE announces extension to I-9 compliance flexibility

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced an extension of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that was initially granted last year. Due to the continued precautions related to COVID-19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend this policy until April 30, 2022.

This extension will continue to apply the guidance previously issued for employees hired on or after April 1, 2021, and work exclusively in a remote setting due to COVID-19-related precautions. Those employees are temporarily exempt from the physical inspection requirements associated with the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) until they undertake non-remote employment on a regular, consistent, or predictable basis, or the extension of the flexibilities related to such requirements is terminated, whichever is earlier. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-announces-extension-i-9-compliance-flexibility-3

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI holiday counterfeit operation seizes $1 million in counterfeit drugs, products

 

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans seized 59,425 counterfeit items valued at more than $1 million during a holiday-related intellectual property rights surge operation.

The HSI-led initiative, dubbed Operation Safety Claus, was supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with support from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations. The coordinated federal law enforcement operation focused on interrupting counterfeit efforts in the New Orleans metro area during the holiday
shopping season. In total, the seized counterfeit items had a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $1,012,942. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-holiday-counterfeit-operation-seizes-1-million-counterfeit-drugs-products

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.