Immigration Policy Tracking Project

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December 2020
1. December 31, 2020
  COVID-19: CDC order requires negative COVID-19 test from all passengers entering U.S.
  - Biden administration action
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Border
  
  Agencies: CBP CDC
  
  Status: Comment Period 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"
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Enforcement
  
  Agency: DHS
  
  Status: Proposed
  
  Type of Action: Data and Reports

November 2020
1. November 20, 2020
  COVID-19: DOS issues guidance to implement Court Order in National Association of Manufacturers v. DHS
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
  
  Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
  
  Status: Final/Actual In Litigation
  
  Type of Action: Agency Directive

October 2020
1. October 30, 2020
  CBP expelling migrant children from other countries into Mexico
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Minors Border
  
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Border
  
  Agencies: CBP DHS CDC HHS
  
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Non-Immigrant Visas: Student Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor
  
  Agency: Bureau of Consular Affairs
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Agency Directive

September 2020
1. September 25, 2020
  ICE modifies enforcement efforts during COVID-19
  - 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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Border Detention
  
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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.
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Minors Border
  
  Agencies: CBP CDC
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Rule

August 2020
1. August 31, 2020
  DOS announces high prioritization of K visas
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
  
  Agencies: USCIS Bureau of Consular Affairs
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Types of Action: Agency Directive Change in Practice

July 2020
1. July 22, 2020
  COVID-19: ICE detains immigrant children in private hotels pending Title 42 expulsion
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Minors Detention
  
  Agency: ICE
  
  Status: Reported In Litigation Enjoined
  
  Types of Action: Change in Practice Data and Reports

June 2020
1. June 25, 2020
  USCIS proposes cost recovery surcharge
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
  
  Agencies: USCIS DOL DOS
  
  Status: Final/Actual In Litigation Renewed
  
  Type of Action: Presidential Orders
3. June 4, 2020
  ICE begins testing all incoming detainees for COVID-19
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Detention
  
  Agency: ICE
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Change in Practice

May 2020
1. May 28, 2020
  COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from Brazil
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - hsa/fvra
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
  
  Agency: USCIS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Agency Directive

April 2020
1. April 27, 2020
  COVID-19: DOS postpones Entrance Status Check for Diversity Visa applicants
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - hsa/fvra
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Border 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
  - covid-19
  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
  - hsa/fvra
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Detention
  
  Agency: ICE
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Types 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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Citizenship
  
  Agency: DOS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Change in Practice

March 2020
1. March 30, 2020
  COVID-19: USCIS Continues Processing Applications for Employment Authorization Extension Requests Despite Closures
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  - Biden administration action
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
  
  Agency: USCIS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Types 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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Minors Border
  
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CAT Border
  
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Humanitarian Immigrant Visas
  
  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
  - Biden administration action
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Employment Verification
  
  Agency: ICE
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Types of Action: Change in Practice Forms and Information Collection
17. March 19, 2020
  Reported, COVID-19: Trump administration temporarily pausing refugee admissions
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  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
  - Biden administration action
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
  
  Agencies: DHS DOS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Presidential Orders
29. March 9, 2020
  COVID-19: SEVP issues guidance for F and M nonimmigrant students
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Student
  
  Agencies: ICE USCIS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Agency Directive
30. March 5, 2020
  DHS announces additional H-2B 35,000 visas for second half of FY2020
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based
  
  Agency: USCIS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Agency Directive
31. March 4, 2020
  COVID-19: CBP/TSA restrict arrivals of flights carrying persons traveling from Iran
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Enforcement
  
  Agencies: CBP TSA
  
  Status: Rescinded
  
  Type of Action: Change in Practice

February 2020
1. February 29, 2020
  COVID-19: POTUS suspends entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in Iran
  - covid-19
  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
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Enforcement
  
  Agencies: CBP TSA
  
  Status: Rescinded
  
  Type of Action: Change in Practice

January 2020
1. January 31, 2020
  COVID-19: POTUS issues proclamation suspending entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants previously physically present in China
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas
  
  Agencies: DHS DOS
  
  Status: Final/Actual
  
  Type of Action: Presidential Orders

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"
  - covid-19
  Subject Matter: Detention
  
  Agency: ICE
  
  Status: Final/Actual In Litigation
  
  Types of Action: Change in Practice Data and Reports