Search Results for keywords:"Department of Homeland Security"

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced that Intertek USA, Inc., located in Kapolei, HI, has been approved as a commercial gauger. This approval allows the company to measure petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for three years, starting from August 2, 2023. Those who wish to confirm this approval for specific services can contact the provided number or email. The next inspection for Intertek is scheduled for August 2026.

The Department of Homeland Security is proposing a new information collection initiative through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to gather data as part of enhanced screening and vetting standards under Executive Order 14161. This initiative aims to collect additional biographic and contact information across various immigration forms to assess individuals' eligibility for immigration-related benefits while ensuring national security. Public comments on this proposal are invited until May 2, 2025. The effort, compliant with the Paperwork Reduction Act, does not anticipate extra costs for respondents.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have issued a final rule regarding the enforcement of REAL ID requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards used for federal purposes. Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies must begin enforcing these requirements but can do so using a phased approach until May 5, 2027, if they consider factors like security, operational feasibility, and public impact. This rule aims to provide flexibility for a smoother transition since not all individuals currently possess REAL ID-compliant IDs. Agencies that choose phased enforcement must coordinate with DHS and publicly share their plans.

The Department of Homeland Security has renewed the charter for the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The HSAC will continue to provide independent advice on homeland security issues until March 5, 2027. Some changes to the council have been made, including reducing the number of members from 40 to 35, extending the term for each member to three years, and replacing co-chairs with a single Chair and Vice Chair.

By the authority of the President, Executive Order 14218 aims to stop taxpayer money from supporting illegal immigration by reinforcing the laws set by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Federal agencies are tasked with identifying and adjusting programs that wrongfully provide benefits to illegal immigrants. The order mandates enhanced verification systems to ensure only qualified individuals receive taxpayer-funded benefits, and any misuse of resources should be reported to the appropriate authorities for action. The order also emphasizes adhering to the law and clarifies that it does not grant any new legal rights or benefits.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced new duties on products imported from Canada to enforce a series of executive orders aimed at controlling the flow of illegal drugs across the U.S.-Canada border. Starting March 4, 2025, these duties include a 25% additional charge on most Canadian products and a 10% charge on Canadian energy imports, except for specific exemptions. The changes are part of efforts to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and address national security concerns related to drug trafficking. The notice also specifies that certain exemptions, such as duty-free treatment for low-value items, will be phased out once systems to collect the appropriate tariffs are in place.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly proposed a new rule seeking public input on extending the Secretary of Labor's review system to specific temporary labor certification cases. This rule will allow the Secretary of Labor to review decisions related to H-2B temporary labor certifications made by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board. The proposal includes updates to existing regulations and aims to maintain efficient handling of cases without notable disruption. The departments are encouraging public comments on this proposed rule to ensure informed decision-making.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that two preliminary injunctions from Federal district courts are preventing the implementation of changes to their fee schedule and other immigration benefit requirements. These court orders, issued in late September and early October 2020, stop the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing the new rules that were meant to take effect on October 2, 2020. As a result, USCIS will continue using the existing fee structure and guidelines that were in place before this date. Further updates and guidance will be posted on the USCIS website.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, announced changes in flood hazard determinations for certain communities. These changes involve updating Base Flood Elevations, flood depths, and Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries based on new data, impacting the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and related reports. The affected communities’ maps and reports can be reviewed online or locally. FEMA allows a 90-day period for communities to request a reconsideration of these changes by contacting their Chief Executive Officer.

In January 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided to delay the effective date of a rule concerning the eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal due to potential security risks relating to public health emergencies. This delay, lasting 60 days from January 21 to March 22, 2021, came after a memorandum from the White House Chief of Staff suggested pausing pending regulations for review. The delay was also necessary because of a preliminary court injunction against a related rule that could affect the implementation of this new rule.