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Category: Immigration

SEVP Increases Oversight of OPT

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The Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) has announced the creation of a new unit dedicated to oversight of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The unit will have a full-time mandate to review compliance matters involving wage, hours, and compensation within OPT, the OPT extension, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The unit will publish reports annually, with the first report scheduled on 07/31/21, and interface with Homeland Security Investigations to recommend investigations of employers and students.

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Chad Wolf Resigns

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Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf has resigned. According to a department email, he cited several court cases which found he served as Acting Secretary unlawfully, having deviated from the established line of succession. He has been in his position since November 2019.

Pete Maynor, current FEMA Administrator, will serve as DHS Acting Secretary until President Trump’s term expires in 9 days.

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DACA Reinstated

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A federal court has ordered US Citizenship and Immigration Services to accept new DACA applications and restore two-year work permit validity. Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued the ruling today. USCIS is required to update information on their website by Monday, as well as develop a mechanism to notify eligible applicants. The Administration has the option to appeal the decision.

Read more here.

DHS to Reject Initial DACA Applications

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The US Department of Homeland Security has announced it will reject initial DACA applications, and will “thoughtfully consider the future of the DACA policy, including whether to fully rescind the program”.

The following changes will take effect immediately:

  • Reject all initial requests for DACA and associated applications for Employment Authorization Documents;
  • Reject new and pending requests for advanced parole absent exceptional circumstances; and,
  • Limit the period of renewed deferred action granted pursuant to the DACA policy after the issuance of this memorandum to one year.

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a press statement that “Congress should act on this matter”.

The full memorandum is available here.