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Immigration Policy Tracking Project

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policies between January 2017 and August 2021

72 Policies

By Subject Matter

By Agency

By Status

By Type of Action

  1. December 2020

    1. December 31, 2020

      COVID-19: CDC order requires negative COVID-19 test from all passengers entering U.S.

      Subject Matter: Border
      Agencies: CDC CBP
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    2. December 11, 2020

      DHS proposes modifications to system of records "ALL-047 Records Related to DHS Personnel, Long-Term Trainees, Contractors, and Visitors During a Declared Public Health Emergency"

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agency: DHS
      Status: Proposed
      Type of Action: Data and Reports

  1. November 2020

    1. November 20, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS issues guidance to implement Court Order in National Association of Manufacturers v. DHS

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation
      Type of Action: Agency Directive

  1. October 2020

    1. October 30, 2020

      CBP expelling migrant children from other countries into Mexico

      Subject Matter: Border Minors Asylum, Withholding and CAT
      Agency: CBP
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    2. October 8, 2020

      DHS issues interim final rule narrowing H-1B criteria

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agencies: USCIS DOL
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation Enjoined Renewed
      Type of Action: Rule
    3. October 3, 2020

      COVID-19, Reported: VP Pence directed CDC to issue expulsion order

      Subject Matter: Border Asylum, Withholding and CAT
      Agencies: DHS CDC HHS CBP
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    4. October 1, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS provides information on national interest exceptions for certain travelers from Europe

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Student Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor
      Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive

  1. September 2020

    1. September 25, 2020

      ICE modifies enforcement efforts during COVID-19

      Subject Matter: Interior
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    2. September 23, 2020

      DHS issues a temporary rule requiring the use of USCIS-contracted telephonic interpreters in asylum interviews

      Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Rule
    3. September 18, 2020

      COVID-19: DHS releases Fact Sheet on measures on the border to limit the further spread of coronavirus

      Subject Matter: Detention Border
      Agency: CBP
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    4. September 15, 2020

      DOS publishes FAQ on J Visa Processing Under Presidential Proclamation 10052

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agencies: Bureau of Consular Affairs DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    5. September 15, 2020

      DOS releases guidance on DV-2020 adjudications after Gomez v. Trump ruling

      Subject Matter: Immigrant Visas: Diversity
      Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    6. September 12, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE reportedly resumes arrests after pausing due to pandemic

      Subject Matter: Interior
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    7. September 11, 2020

      COVID-19: CDC issues final rule expanding quarantine authority to prohibit "introduction" of noncitizens (except LPR's) into the U.S.

      Subject Matter: Border Asylum, Withholding and CAT Minors
      Agencies: CBP CDC
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Rule

  1. August 2020

    1. August 31, 2020

      DOS announces high prioritization of K visas

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Family-Based
      Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    2. August 25, 2020

      DOS and DHS temporarily expand interview waiver eligibility

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: USCIS Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive Change in Practice

  1. July 2020

    1. July 22, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE detains immigrant children in private hotels pending Title 42 expulsion

      Subject Matter: Minors Detention
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Reported In Litigation Enjoined
      Type of Action: Change in Practice Data and Reports

  1. June 2020

    1. June 25, 2020

      USCIS proposes cost recovery surcharge

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Proposed
      Type of Action: Legislation
    2. June 22, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation freezing certain nonimmigrant visas through the end of 2020

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: USCIS DOL DOS
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation Renewed
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    3. June 17, 2020

      COVID-19: DOE excludes certain noncitizen students from pandemic aid

      Subject Matter: Humanitarian Citizenship
      Agency: Other
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Rule
    4. June 4, 2020

      ICE begins testing all incoming detainees for COVID-19

      Subject Matter: Detention
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice

  1. May 2020

    1. May 28, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from Brazil

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agencies: CBP TSA
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    2. May 24, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS suspends entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in Brazil

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: DHS DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    3. May 15, 2020

      COVID-19: EOIR postpones hearings for non-detained cases

      Subject Matter: Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: EOIR
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    4. May 14, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS issues temporary final rule modifying H-2B requirements

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agencies: USCIS DOL
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Rule
    5. May 11, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS issues temporary guidance for certain H-1B foreign medical graduates

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive

  1. April 2020

    1. April 27, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS postpones Entrance Status Check for Diversity Visa applicants

      Subject Matter: Immigrant Visas: Diversity
      Agencies: CBP USCIS DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    2. April 23, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE to test some immigrants for coronavirus before deportation

      Subject Matter: Interior
      Agencies: ICE DOS
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    3. April 23, 2020

      COVID-19: DHS revises service process requirements for summonses, complaints, and subpoenas

      Subject Matter: Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: DHS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Rule
    4. April 22, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation suspending entry of designated immigrants for 60 days

      Subject Matter: Immigrant Visas Border Non-Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: CBP USCIS DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    5. April 22, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP temporarily closes Trusted Traveler Program enrollment, extends renewal period

      Agency: CBP
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    6. April 20, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS issues temporary final rule, lifting certain H-2A program limitations

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agencies: USCIS DOL
      Status: Final/Actual Renewed
      Type of Action: Rule
    7. April 17, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP offers extension for Visa Waiver Program travelers

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor
      Agencies: CBP USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    8. April 16, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE releases hundreds of immigrants from detention amid spread of coronavirus

      Subject Matter: Detention
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive Change in Practice
    9. April 13, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces delay in data entry and receipt notice generation for H-1B petitions

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Expired
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    10. April 13, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces flexibility for nonimmigrants who cannot depart U.S. before their authorized stay expires

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    11. April 10, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS imposes visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept return of foreign nationals

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: DHS DOS
      Status: Final/Actual Renewed
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    12. April 3, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS temporarily limits in-person passport services

      Subject Matter: Citizenship
      Agency: DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice

  1. March 2020

    1. March 30, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS Continues Processing Applications for Employment Authorization Extension Requests Despite Closures

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Expired
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    2. March 30, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces flexibility for applicants responding to Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, and other USCIS requests

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice Forms and Information Collection
    3. March 26, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS informs medical professionals of continuing ability to request visa appointments

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agencies: USCIS Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    4. March 26, 2020

      COVID-19: SEVP issues guidance on electronic filing of Form I-20

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Student
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    5. March 24, 2020

      COVID-19: OFLC announces issuance of electronic PERM labor certifications

      Subject Matter: Labor
      Agencies: USCIS DOL
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    6. March 23, 2020

      COVID-19: DHS and EOIR jointly announce rescheduling of MPP hearings

      Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Hearings and Adjudications
      Agencies: ICE EOIR
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    7. March 21, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS issues temporary E-Verify policies

      Subject Matter: Employment Verification
      Agencies: USCIS SSA
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    8. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces temporary suspension of premium processing for I-129 and I-140 petitions

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Replaced
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    9. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: DHS announces flexibility in physical presence requirements for employment eligibility verification

      Subject Matter: Employment Verification
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    10. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: DOL issues FAQ on Coronavirus effects, including extensions for filing periods

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: DOL
      Status: Final/Actual Expired
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    11. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: US-Canada joint initiative restricts non-essential border crossings

      Subject Matter: Border Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor
      Agencies: CBP DHS
      Status: Final/Actual Renewed
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    12. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: US-Mexico joint initiative restricts non-essential border crossings

      Subject Matter: Border Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor
      Agencies: CBP DHS
      Status: Final/Actual Renewed
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    13. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: CDC order authorizes Border Patrol expulsion of all persons arriving by land from Mexico or Canada without valid documents under title 42

      Subject Matter: Border Asylum, Withholding and CAT Minors
      Agencies: CBP DHS CDC
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation Renewed
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    14. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP issues memo on turning away migrants at borders, including unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers

      Subject Matter: Border Asylum, Withholding and CAT
      Agencies: CBP CDC
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    15. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces flexibility in submitting required signatures during COVID-19 national emergency

      Subject Matter: Humanitarian Immigrant Visas Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    16. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: DHS announces flexibility in requirements related to Form I-9 compliance

      Subject Matter: Employment Verification
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice Forms and Information Collection
    17. March 19, 2020

      Reported, COVID-19: Trump administration temporarily pausing refugee admissions

      Subject Matter: Refugees
      Agencies: USCIS Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    18. March 19, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from the United Kingdom and Ireland

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agencies: CBP TSA
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    19. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS temporarily closes offices until at least April 7th

      Subject Matter: Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    20. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: EOIR sets immigration court practices during outbreak

      Subject Matter: Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: EOIR
      Status: Replaced
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    21. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE focuses removal and detention on public safety risks

      Subject Matter: Interior Sanctuary Restrictions
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Reported
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    22. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS suspends visa services worldwide

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
      Status: In Litigation Replaced
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    23. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE temporarily allows filing Form I-246 through mail; extends initial check-in deadline

      Subject Matter: Enforcement Hearings and Adjudications
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    24. March 17, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from Schengen Area

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agencies: CBP TSA
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    25. March 17, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS temporarily suspends in-person services

      Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Citizenship
      Agency: USCIS
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    26. March 15, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE medically screens detainees prior to removal flights

      Subject Matter: Detention Interior
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    27. March 13, 2020

      COVID-19: ICE temporarily suspends family visitations in all detention centers

      Subject Matter: Detention
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Change in Practice
    28. March 11, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation suspending entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in Schengen Area

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: DOS DHS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    29. March 9, 2020

      COVID-19: SEVP issues guidance for F and M nonimmigrant students

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Student
      Agencies: ICE USCIS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Agency Directive
    30. March 4, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from Iran

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agencies: CBP TSA
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice

  1. February 2020

    1. February 29, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS suspends entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in Iran

      Subject Matter: Enforcement Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agency: DHS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders
    2. February 4, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from China

      Subject Matter: Enforcement
      Agencies: CBP TSA
      Status: Rescinded
      Type of Action: Change in Practice

  1. January 2020

    1. January 31, 2020

      COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation suspending entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in China

      Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
      Agencies: DHS DOS
      Status: Final/Actual
      Type of Action: Presidential Orders

  1. September 2018

    1. September 27, 2018

      DHS Office of Inspector General releases a “Management Alert" addressing "Issues Requiring Action at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center"

      Subject Matter: Detention
      Agency: ICE
      Status: Final/Actual In Litigation
      Type of Action: Change in Practice Data and Reports
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