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The document discusses a correcting amendment issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective January 17, 2025. This amendment addresses a technical error in a previous rule regarding fees for immigration and naturalization benefit requests, initially published on January 31, 2024. The correction involves clarifying which forms are associated with specific visa classifications, specifically replacing incorrect references to ensure the right classification, CW-1, related to the CNMI-only transitional worker, is included. This ensures that the correct procedures and fees are applied to employers petitioning for these workers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to prepare a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) activities across the country. These systems are used to track and control drones, which have become a security concern. DHS seeks public comments on relevant environmental issues by April 7, 2025. The assessment will guide decision-making and establish practices to reduce environmental effects, with coordination from agencies with specific expertise or legal jurisdiction.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the cancellation of a previous decision by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. Mayorkas' decision, made on January 10, 2025, had extended TPS for Venezuela and simplified the application process for current TPS holders from both the 2021 and 2023 designations, allowing them to keep their status until October 2, 2026. The new DHS decision, effective immediately, nullifies the previous extensions and restores the original expiration dates for the 2021 and 2023 designations. DHS will cease processing any re-registration applications filed under Mayorkas' notice and refund related fees.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule updating how the public is notified about countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Instead of listing participating countries in the Code of Federal Regulations, the DHS will now provide this information on their website. This change aims to make updates more efficient and remove the need for administrative updates in the Federal Register. The rule does not change which countries are in the VWP or impact public rights since the information remains accessible online.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), is introducing a temporary rule to help U.S. businesses struggling from a lack of workers by increasing the number of H-2B visas available for Fiscal Year 2025 by up to 64,716. These visas will be distributed over the fiscal year in four allocations, with a portion reserved specifically for nationals of certain countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Haiti. The rule also allows greater job flexibility for H-2B workers already in the U.S. by letting them change employers more easily. Businesses must attest they are facing severe loss without these workers for their applications to be considered.

The Department of Homeland Security is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. This extension will allow Venezuelans who are already on TPS to continue living and working in the U.S. from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026. Venezuelans must re-register between January 17, 2025, and September 10, 2025, to maintain their status. This decision is based on the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela, making it unsafe for nationals to return.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule allowing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send immigration bond-related notices electronically, provided obligors agree to this method of communication. Although no significant changes were made from an earlier interim rule, this final rule clarifies text, updates terminology, and fixes typographical errors. Commenters raised concerns about technical issues, accessibility, and fairness, particularly regarding the new Cash Electronic Bonds Online System (CeBONDS), but the rule aims to make processes more efficient and reduce mail costs. This transition to electronic service is optional, and obligors can still opt for traditional mail service.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reopening and extending the period for public comments on a request for information (RFI) to guide evidence-building activities. This is in accordance with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, which mandates federal agencies like DHS to develop plans that address strategic and policy questions through evidence and data. The public is encouraged to provide suggestions that could help DHS enhance the effectiveness of its strategies, policies, and programs. Comments can be submitted until March 31, 2021, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.