Business-Conservative Alliance Presses for Immigration Action
The New York Times reports that a group of Utah business leaders went to the nation’s capital to speak with their state’s conservative congress members about prompt immigration reform. The group hoped to convince House leadership to “pass what’s possible now,” rather than allowing reform to languish in the House. The coalition, composed of business executives, evangelical groups, and prominent conservatives, is reacting to the hesitation among conservative leaders to support any immigration bill including a path to citizenship for the country’s 11 million undocumented immigrants. The group was especially keen to meet with Senator Mike Lee, who remains reluctant to support immigration reform that includes “amnesty.”
The effort kicked off with the Bipartisan Policy Center revealing a study that suggested broad immigration overhaul could help the economy.
*
DHS Extension of the Designation of Somalia for TPS
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it is extending Temporary Protected Status for Somalians for another 18 months from March 18, 2014 to September 17, 2015.
Currently eligible TPS beneficiaries may retain their status through September 17, 2015, as long as they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility conditions for TPS.
*
DOS Final Rule Adding T-6 as a New Visa Classification
Effective November 18, 2013, a new visa classification symbol is being added to the nonimmigrant classification table. The T-6 visa would be available to eligible adult and minor children of a derivative beneficiary of a T-1 principal alien whom the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the law enforcement officer investigating a severe form of trafficking, determines faces a present danger of retaliation as a result of the alien’s escape from trafficking or cooperation with law enforcement to accompany or follow to join the principal alien.
*
Temporary Accommodation for Form I-129 H-2A Petitions Set to Expire on Nov. 29
The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has announced that it will stop sending Adobe PDF copies of approved Temporary Labor Certifications (TLCs) to H-2A employers and authorized representatives. Beginning December 2nd, 2013, USCIS will go back to its previous filing practice and will only accept Form I-129 H-2A petitions filed with the certified TLC on blue security paper with original signatures.
*
Chuck Grassley Puts Hold on DHS Nominee, Nuclear Option May Change the Rules
Politico reports that Senator Check Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has placed a hold on Jeh Johnson’s nomination as the head of the Department of Homeland Security. He, along with five other senators on his committee, posed a long list of questions to Johnson concerning his stance on immigration policy and oversight issues at DHS. The committee does not have jurisdiction over Johnson’s nomination, but it does oversee immigration policy, meaning Johnson would work closely with Grassley and his colleagues if he is confirmed to lead the DHS. Grassley joins Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham as Republicans who have publicly placed holds on the DHS nomination.
In response, the Senate held a vote to change the rules regarding such holds and filibusters. Known as the “nuclear option,” the new rule will change which senators have the ability to approve nominees to executive branch offices. A new group of moderate Democrats will now take responsibility for the consideration of the President’s nominations.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/chuck-grassley-jeh-johnson-dhs-100162.html
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/senate-going-nuclear-filibuster-rules-100227.html
*
Coffman and Gutiérrez Send Letter to Armed Services Regarding Recruitment
U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman and Luis Gutiérrez teamed up with 31 Members of the House to send a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, the acting Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of the Army. The letter addressed a possible U.S. Armed Services policy that would prohibit U.S. Citizens with any undocumented dependents from enlisting in the military. Opponents of the policy called it “exclusionary.” Gutiérrez, who is Chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and also sits on the Judiciary Committee, stated that he could think of “no reason why any branch of the military should restrict the military service of individuals based on the immigration status of someone else in their family.”
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.