Search Results for keywords:"Department of Homeland Security"

The executive order titled "Restoring America's Fighting Force" aims to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, particularly the Coast Guard. It states that hiring practices should be free from preferences based on race or sex and mandates the abolition of DEI offices. The order also prohibits the promotion of certain ideologies deemed divisive or discriminatory and requires a review of military educational institutions to ensure they align with these principles. Furthermore, the order establishes procedures for implementing these changes and reports on progress while ensuring the changes comply with existing laws and budgets.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is inviting public comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection regarding the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver of Inadmissibility (Form I-601A). This notice allows an additional 30 days for comments concerning the necessity and efficiency of this information collection, which aids USCIS in determining an applicant’s eligibility for the waiver. Public feedback is requested on matters such as the collection's estimated burden and any potential improvements, and comments must be submitted by March 29, 2021, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The submission of Form I-601A is crucial for individuals seeking to qualify for the provisional waiver process concerning unlawful presence inadmissibility, affecting about 63,000 respondents with a total estimated annual public burden of 168,210 hours and a cost burden of $3,212,390.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice regarding a mass influx of aliens in the United States. This finding was signed by the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security on January 23, 2025, and is documented under citation 90 FR 8399. The notice outlines the situation and is intended to inform the public and relevant agencies about the significant increase in individuals entering the country.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a notice about an extension request for its Information Collection Request titled TSA infoBoards, under the Paperwork Reduction Act. TSA infoBoards serve as a voluntary information-sharing platform for stakeholders in the transportation security community, allowing users to access mission-critical information. The TSA seeks public comments on the necessity, accuracy, and impact of this information collection and aims to ensure it meets practical utility and minimizes burdens on users. Comments are welcomed until January 6, 2025, and the extension seeks to continue using forms TSA 1427 and TSA 1430 for registration and information collection purposes.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is requesting public comments on extending the current information collection related to the monthly report on naturalization papers. This extension is proposed without any changes and is part of complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The form, used by court clerks, helps USCIS update records to show new citizens, audit naturalization certificates, and handle reimbursements to courts for naturalization-related expenses. The public is invited to comment on the necessity, accuracy, quality, and burden related to this data collection by March 15, 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking public comments on extending a collection of information related to cargo documentation. This includes various forms and electronic submissions concerning cargo manifest and declarations, importer security filings, and more, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency encourages comments by February 10, 2021, focusing on the necessity, accuracy, and methods to ease the burden of these requirements. The information will aid CBP in managing imports and exports securely and efficiently.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has decided to end its plans to test changes to the U.S. naturalization test. Originally, they planned to implement changes, such as a standardized English-speaking component and a new civics format, but received significant public opposition, including from immigrant advocacy groups. Concerns were raised that the proposed changes might create new barriers instead of simplifying the test, particularly for individuals with lower literacy or formal education. As a result, USCIS will continue using the existing test format.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is ending the parole programs for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV programs) that were previously established. These programs allowed certain inadmissible individuals and their families to enter the U.S. for urgent reasons or significant public benefit. DHS decided to terminate these programs due to insufficient benefits, increased illegal immigration, and inconsistency with the current administration’s policy goals. Notice of termination is effective as of March 25, 2025, requiring individuals under these programs to leave the U.S. by April 24, 2025, unless individual extensions are granted.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced the implementation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP). This program is a specific part of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program that allows certain pre-approved travelers from China to visit the CNMI without a visa for up to 14 days. The implementation of this program will start on February 20, 2024, and travelers will need to get an electronic travel authorization before going. The previous policy allowing Chinese nationals to enter the CNMI with parole will end on the same date.

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.