Sanctuary has emerged as the most viable option for migrants to secure a prolonged stay in the U.S. However, the underfunded immigration system faces challenges in keeping pace, resulting in prolonged case delays lasting for years. For more information

USCIS announces final rule to enhance integrity and reduce fraud in H-1B registration, preventing gaming of the system and ensuring equal selection chances for all beneficiaries, regardless of submitted registrations. For more information:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-strengthened-integrity-measures-for-h-1b-program

The U.S. economy is bidding farewell to past recession fears with a growth of 3.3% in the fourth quarter. For more information

https://www.ft.com/content/05c88898-7573-426f-b656-5c76e3a51bfc

On Monday, the divided Supreme Court allowed Border Patrol to resume cutting the razor wire installed by Texas on a section of the U.S. border. For more information:

https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-immigration-texas-razor-wire-9daef6bd316211b6633ece718e505187

In a recent update, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its Policy Manual to provide more flexibility for nonimmigrants facing challenges in filing timely extension of stay or change of status requests. USCIS, at its discretion and under specific conditions, may now excuse delays in filing if they are due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-untimely-filed-extension-of-stay-and-change-of-status-requests

In a groundbreaking move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to launch a suite of customer experience enhancements for the upcoming H-1B cap season, geared towards boosting efficiency and facilitating seamless collaboration for organizations and their legal representatives.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-launch-organizational-accounts-enabling-online-collaboration-and-submission-of-h-1b

Several House Republicans insist on a border deal mirroring last year’s immigration bill passed in the House. For more information:

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/17/politics/johnson-immigration-deal-house-senate/index.html

Texas Attorney General defied federal officials’ demand to abandon a seized U.S.-Mexico border park by state National Guard soldiers last week. For more information :

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-border-us-mexico-ken-paxton-attorney-general/

Republicans point to the historically high number of migrant encounters recorded by border officials as evidence, contrasting it with lower apprehension figures under past administrations. For more information: