USCIS is increasing the fees for certain visa applications. In contrast to other federal agencies, USCIS relies heavily on the fees associated with various immigration processes for its funding. For more information:

https://fronterasdesk.org/content/1869966/uscis-announces-increases-several-immigration-and-work-applications

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

As migrants arrive in the U.S., advocates and liberal politicians demand increased access to work permits. For more information

https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2024/0119/Unpacking-the-debate-over-migrant-work-permits

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

Immigration fee update (1615-AC68), covering temporary and permanent work visas, has cleared White House review, the final step before publication. For more information:

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/final-rule-to-update-immigration-fees-clears-white-house-review

USCIS changed rules: If someone’s late applying to stay in the U.S., USCIS might understand if it’s due to unexpected issues beyond their control. For more information:

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

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) appears likely to withstand a challenge to its funding structure, as indicated by recent oral arguments before the US Supreme Court. Legal experts observed that even conservative justices showed reluctance to conclude that the CFPB’s funding via the Federal Reserve violated the Constitution’s appropriations clause.

CFPB’s Survival Odds Improve After Supreme Court Hears Challenge (bloomberglaw.com)

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