Week in Review: 2/16 - 2/23

Immigration News & Notes

Premium Processing Fee Increase: On February 26, USCIS will increase the premium processing fee for I-140 immigrant worker petitions and most Form I-129 nonimmigrant worker petitions from $2,500 to $2,805.

• The final rule on this change was published in December of last year. 
• In addition, as of April 1, the length of premium processing adjudication timeframes will change from calendar days to business days, increasing processing times.

Unilateral Action: Media reports indicate that the White House plans to use a provision in immigration law, INA Sec. 212(f), which gives Presidents the right to restrict the entry of a class of immigrants if it would be “detrimental to the interests of the United States.” This provision was famously used by former President Donald Trump in enacting the “Muslim Ban.”

• Biden is facing blowback from progressive lawmakers and immigration groups who are accusing him of promoting Trump-like policies.
• Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who opposed the bipartisan Senate border bill because he claimed the President already has the authority to restrict entries, is now saying that Biden’s proposed executive actions are “election year gimmicks” that do not address the border crisis.

AI & Immigration: The Department of Labor announced that they will extend the comment period on the Request for Information (RFI) for the updated list of Schedule A occupations through May 13. Comments can be submitted here.

📅 Plan ahead:

• Webinar on New Fee Rule: The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) will hold a joint Webinar with USCIS on the new fee rule on February 29 at 2 PM. Registration for the event is not required. Click here to join.
• Government Shutdown Watch: The federal government is once again facing the possibility of a government shutdown. Congress must pass a federal spending bill in advance of March 1 to avoid a partial shutdown, and March 8 to avoid a full shutdown.

Erickson Immigration Group is hosting an informative session on the latest in US immigration, following a series of significant updates, their impact on employers and foreign nationals, and what to expect.  We'll also look ahead to the 2024 Presidential Election and consider what employers and foreign nationals can expect and how to prepare their mobility program in the months leading up to it.

When: Wednesday, February 28 at 3:00 PM EST

Where: RSVP for this LinkedIn Live here»

Speakers

• Maunica Sthanki, Chief Strategist of Sthanki Strategies & former Counsel, Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security
• Justin Parsons, Erickson Immigration Group Partner & Shareholder
• Andy Finkle, Erickson Immigration Group Senior Managing Attorney
• Kainoa Bostock, Erickson Immigration Group Associate Attorney

Learn more: 

• EIG Preview: FY 2025 H-1B Cap Season & Other Updates
• EIG Alert: USCIS Fee Schedule Finalized
• EIG Alert: Final H-1B Rule Released, Summary & Key Dates

Global News & Notes

Canada: On February 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the opening of a new Canada visa application centre (VAC) in Lisbon, Portugal on February 26, 2024.  Applicants can make an appointment as of February 12, 2024.

New Zealand: The minimum wage will increase on April 1, 2024. This means that the wage threshold for all Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers will also increase to align with the new minimum wage.

Singapore: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore has announced that, effective July 1, 2024, the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) will increase from SGD 1400 per month to SGD 1600 per month.

United Kingdom: On February 19, 2024, the government published a new statement of changes to the immigration rules which makes significant amendments to the humanitarian schemes for Ukrainian nationals and to the Skilled Worker route for care workers.

What We’re Reading

Immigration Wave Delivers Economic Windfall. But There's a Catch Paul Kiernan | Wall Street Journal, 02/15/24

In immigration, Republicans see more security worries than economic ones Philip Bump | Washington Post, 02/15/24

Opinion | Worried about immigrants overwhelming the U.S.? Take our quiz. Editorial Board | Washington Post, 02/19/24

Biden’s rightward shift on immigration angers advocates. But it’s resonating with many Democrats Adriana Gomez Licon and Jonathan J. Cooper | Politico, 02/16/24

Federal agencies scramble to finish Biden’s rules — and protect his legacy from Trump Robin Bravender, Kevin Bogardus and Michael Doyle | Politico, 02/19/24

What We’re Listening To

The H-1B Domestic Visa Renewal pilot program launched on January 29, 2024. The Immigration Nerds – senior attorney and host, Lauren Clarke and senior managing attorney consular affairs, Diane Holcombe-Geddens – talk about the program and share valuable insight and process notes as the program gets underway.

How We’re Volunteering

Erickson Immigration Group is hosting our partners, StreetWise Partners for a Micro Mentoring on Thursday, February 29 at our Arlington HQ -- and YOU'RE INVITED! We have a special group of ambitious job seekers coming together to discuss their professional goals and they are eager to speak with YOU in a special Micro Mentoring activity. There is no prework required by volunteers and tips for success will be provided. SWP's job seekers have diverse interests, and find it truly valuable to speak to someone who is in the professional field even if you’re not in their field of interest. Sign up at this link and join EIG for a fun night of professional mentoring!