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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its regulations to give asylum officers (AOs) the authority to apply certain mandatory bars against asylum and statutory withholding of removal during credible and reasonable fear screenings. This change aims to help DHS efficiently remove noncitizens who are deemed ineligible due to these bars, primarily focusing on those who might pose security risks or public safety concerns. The update is designed to enhance the processing of asylum claims by making decisions on these cases more quickly, reducing the burden on immigration courts. The rule also states that noncitizens who receive a negative determination due to these bars can still seek a review of the decision by an immigration judge.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.

On October 3, 2023, Venezuela was designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to conditions in the country that made it unsafe for Venezuelans to return home. This status was set to expire on April 2, 2025. However, after reviewing the situation in Venezuela, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security decided that it's against the U.S. national interest for Venezuelans to remain in the U.S. under the 2023 TPS designation. As a result, this designation is being terminated, effective April 7, 2025. The termination doesn't affect the 2021 TPS designation for Venezuela, which remains active until September 10, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a new rule proposed by NYSE American LLC to strengthen its listing standards for companies that conduct reverse stock splits. According to the rule, a company will face immediate suspension and delisting if it has executed one or more reverse stock splits with a cumulative ratio of 200 shares or more to one in the past two years, or if its reverse stock split makes it fall below existing listing requirements. The SEC believes this measure will help protect investors by ensuring that companies with financial difficulties do not unduly remain on the exchange by manipulating their stock prices through reverse stock splits. Companies affected by this rule still have the opportunity to challenge delisting decisions.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule amending its Uniform Administrative Requirements to realign with statutory nondiscrimination provisions stated by Congress, thus significantly altering previous regulations. This rule focuses on requiring recipients of HHS awards to adhere to applicable federal statutory nondiscrimination laws and ensures compliance with relevant Supreme Court decisions. The action also addresses concerns that previous rules might violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by causing undue burdens on religious organizations. This change aims to provide clarity and stability for grantees, while planning to avoid issues related to RFRA compliance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new income eligibility guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), effective from July 1, 2025. These guidelines will help State agencies determine if someone can get help from WIC by comparing their family's income to federal poverty levels. The guidelines are updated every year and are linked to the standards set for reduced-price school meals. The notice includes tables with income limits for different areas, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and the 48 contiguous States.

The U.S. Copyright Office is conducting an inquiry into performance rights organizations (PROs) and how they distribute licensing revenue, especially with an increase in the number of such organizations. This investigation was requested by Congress to understand challenges related to the growing number of PROs and their impact on businesses that use music publicly, such as bars and restaurants. The inquiry aims to gather public comments on several issues, including the formation of new PROs, the cost implications for businesses, and how royalties are distributed among artists and publishers. Congress is looking for suggestions on improving the system to ensure fair and efficient distribution of licensing revenue.

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has made amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure. The changes are designed to address technical corrections, clarify provisions, and ensure the rules are harmonized and consistent. These amendments are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs in the administration of agency proceedings and apply to future investigations and proceedings starting February 3, 2025. Some key updates include implementing gender-neutral language, eliminating paper copies in favor of e-filing, and refining confidentiality designations during the filing process.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an interim final rule to manage the handling of retaliation complaints under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA), as part of anti-retaliation efforts. This rule outlines procedures for filing complaints, the investigation process, and the resolution, including possible appeals and judicial review, in cases of alleged retaliation against whistleblowers. The interim final rule is effective from January 14, 2025, and comments are invited until March 17, 2025, to refine these guidelines. The document ensures whistleblowers are protected when they report actions they reasonably believe to be violations of law, though it excludes employees of federally insured banks and credit unions, which are protected under different statutes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) under the Clean Air Act for the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District in California. This new rule includes stricter guidelines for New Source Review (NSR) in nonattainment areas where air quality standards are not met. The FIP aims to regulate the construction of new major sources and modifications of existing sources, addressing deficiencies in the existing Mojave Desert program. An important aspect of this rule is the EPA's disapproval of a Mojave Desert District rule regarding emissions offsets, following a court decision questioning the EPA's previous approval of that rule.