Department of Homeland Security (DHS) News

• Title: DHS Overhauls Immigration Policies: Public Charge, H-1B Visas, and Local Enforcement Partnerships

  The big headline from the Department of Homeland Security this week is the announcement of a sweeping proposed rule set to overhaul the longstanding “public charge” policy. According to the Federal Register, DHS is seeking to rescind most of its 2022 public charge provisions, granting immigration officers greater discretion in evaluating whether legal immigrants are likely to depend on government benefits. Advocates from organizations like Medicare Rights warn that, without clear standards, this expansion of discretion could leave many immigrants facing inconsistent decisions and trigger widespread confusion among families trying to secure their status.In other developments, DHS published a final rule in early September that fundamentally shifts the role of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Now, certain USCIS officers can conduct law enforcement activities, moving beyond the agency’s traditional focus on benefit applications. They can order expedited removal, detain individuals, and even carry firearms. Key officials say these changes are intended to toughen immigration enforcement and fill gaps in public safety, particularly as the federal government responds to rising concerns about illegal immigration in states like Georgia.Meanwhile, major reforms are underway to the way H-1B visas will be allocated. Instead of the familiar random lottery, a proposed rule would favor applicants offered higher prevailing wage jobs, as tracked by Department of Labor wage data. Experts note this is a stark shift, since it bumps up the odds for senior-level workers, possibly at the expense of recent graduates and entry-level hires. Employers and state organizations are urged to submit comments to DHS by October 24, as this could significantly reshape opportunities for international talent.Budget priorities continue to spotlight enforcement. In Georgia, rising public safety concerns and widely publicized criminal cases involving non-citizens have led local officials and members of Congress like Earl “Buddy” Carter to demand more ICE agents and stronger federal presence. Carter argues, “Every single person who is here illegally has broken the law and must be treated accordingly,” while also acknowledging the vital partnership between federal and local law enforcement in restoring public confidence.For American citizens, these changes could mean heightened public safety efforts and quicker action at the border, but they also risk creating confusion for law-abiding immigrants and families navigating complex benefit and residency systems. Businesses, especially tech and healthcare employers using H-1B visas, may need to rethink hiring strategies and prepare for more demanding compliance. State and local governments may benefit from more federal resources, but could also face challenges in integrating new enforcement priorities. Internationally, the tougher stance on public charge and employment visas could shape how the U.S. is perceived as a destination for talent and new residents.DHS is currently accepting public comments on the H-1B changes and the public charge rule, so now is the time for listeners to voice their concerns and perspectives. For more information, listeners should head to the official federal register or DHS’s public affairs page. Stay tuned as these proposals move through the rulemaking process and keep an eye on how local enforcement partnerships evolve in hotspots like Georgia. Thanks for tuning in to our deep dive into DHS’s latest. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates and timely analysis. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• Proposed DHS Rule Changes Impact International Students, H-1B Visas, and Federal Property Protection

  Thanks for joining us for your DHS Weekly Brief. The top headline this week: The Department of Homeland Security just proposed a sweeping rule change that could dramatically affect international students, exchange visitors, and temporary workers in the United States. On August 28, 2025, DHS announced plans to replace the current “duration of status” rule for F and J visa holders with fixed periods of stay, capped at four years. This means international students and exchange scholars would now be admitted only until their program end date, plus a 30-day grace period—shortened from the previous 60 days for F statuses, aligning more closely to current J rules, as detailed by the Office of International Students & Scholars at Yale.For context, the “duration of status” provision has provided flexibility, allowing eligible students and researchers to remain in the US as long as they maintained valid documentation and made progress in their studies or research. Under the new proposal, extensions would require a formal application to USCIS. If someone fails to apply in time or overstays, they would begin accruing unlawful presence immediately after their specified end date—posing significant risks for future immigration benefits.This change is still pending. Public comments are open until September 29th for the proposed rule, and until October 27th for related paperwork issues—the final policy will reflect input from stakeholders, especially educational institutions and international organizations, who are expected to weigh in heavily.Another major development this week: DHS is also moving to overhaul the H-1B visa system. According to the law firm K&L Gates, the department wants to move away from its random selection process toward a weighted lottery system, giving more favorable odds to applicants whose jobs command higher prevailing wages as measured by Department of Labor census data. Employers seeking to fill entry-level roles—including many recent college graduates—could find the process more challenging, while senior-level positions would see improved odds of selection. Public comments for this proposal are open until October 24th, and advocacy groups urge affected businesses and organizations to participate.Federal property protection is tightening as well, with a new DHS regulation going into effect January 1, 2026. This rule, published in the Federal Register, updates procedures and authority for safeguarding federal buildings and infrastructure nationwide.What’s the bottom line for citizens? International students may face tougher hurdles to maintain or extend their stays, impacting US universities and research labs that depend on global talent. Businesses, especially in tech and research, should closely monitor H-1B reforms, as they could reshape recruitment at entry and mid-career levels. State and local governments may see indirect effects as international student populations shift, with economic impacts for communities that host major campuses. Internationally, these visa changes could shape how the US is viewed as a destination for innovation and education.DHS officials emphasize their intent is to safeguard national security while “ensuring a fair, predictable, and transparent immigration process.” Advocates argue such reforms should balance security with continued openness.Listeners are encouraged to submit their perspectives. If you’re a student, educator, employer, or concerned citizen, now is the time to visit the Federal Register to comment on these proposed rules. Mark your calendars: September 29th for student and exchange visitor policy feedback, October 24th for H-1B changes. Stay tuned for more updates as DHS reviews comments and moves toward final decision-making.To dive deeper or get involved, check the DHS website, university international offices, or your professional associations. And if you have a question or experience you want to share, let us know.Thanks for tuning in. If you found today’s update useful, subscribe so you never miss a briefing on policies directly affecting you. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• Expanded Enforcement Powers for USCIS, Biometric Data Collection, and H-1B Visa Changes: DHS Updates

  This week’s most significant development from the Department of Homeland Security is the new final rule granting United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—USCIS—expanded enforcement powers, fundamentally reshaping how immigration laws are implemented across the country. As detailed by legal experts at Duane Morris, USCIS is now authorized not just to process benefit applications but to engage in enforcement activities, including ordering expedited removals, issuing warrants, and detaining individuals living in the U.S. without valid status. USCIS personnel can now investigate alleged criminal and civil violations, arrest offenders, and even conduct vehicular pursuits. This ushers in a new era where USCIS is not just a benefits agency but a “robust enforcement entity,” according to immigration attorneys.For American citizens, you might notice increased scrutiny and, potentially, faster removals in certain cases. Businesses are likely to feel pressure to ensure all employees’ immigration documents are in perfect order and should brace for possible audits and investigations. Legal practitioners warn that “heightened scrutiny from USCIS” could quickly become a reality.Meanwhile, regulatory changes continue at a rapid pace. As of October 30, DHS ended the 540-day automatic extension of work permits for those awaiting renewal, which used to provide a buffer for businesses and workers during lengthy processing times. This move has raised concern among employers reliant on immigrant labor, as workforce planning becomes more uncertain.In another major update, DHS announced a $1,000 parole fee for most foreign nationals paroled into the U.S., effective since October 16. Ten specific exceptions exist, but the fee is now standard for new arrivals not covered. Looking ahead, the department plans to begin collecting biometric data—photos and fingerprints—from noncitizens on entry and exit, starting December 26. This will impact tens of thousands of travelers and is designed to enhance border security and track overstays.On the H-1B visa front, DHS is proposing a weighted selection process favoring higher wage levels, rather than the traditional random lottery. According to K&L Gates, this could disadvantage recent graduates and entry-level workers and will be open for public comment through October 24. Employers and affected individuals are encouraged to voice their input as this change could reshape the tech and innovation sectors.Leadership remains focused on protecting federal property, with regulatory changes to take effect January 1, 2026, and continued multiagency crackdowns on immigration service scams. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “Every policy we put forward balances efficiency with security and fairness.”For state and local governments, these shifts mean greater interagency cooperation—and sometimes friction—especially around sanctuary jurisdictions. Internationally, expanded biometric controls and tighter visa rules may affect travel and business links.Upcoming milestones to watch include the start date for biometric collection, comment deadlines for new H-1B rules, and finalization of federal property regulations. Listeners wanting to engage can submit feedback on proposed rules at regulations.gov and consult the DHS website for real-time updates.Thank you for tuning in to our DHS news roundup. Stay informed, stay engaged, and remember to subscribe for weekly updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• DHS Expands Biometrics, Enforcement Powers: Impacts on Citizens, Businesses, and Migrants

  The biggest DHS headline this week: the Department of Homeland Security just unveiled a sweeping new rule to expand biometrics collection for anyone involved in immigration benefit requests—not just non-citizens, but U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents too, and regardless of age. Unlike current practice, where fingerprints and photos are collected, DHS now aims to require a range of biometrics, even DNA, and wants ongoing, periodic submissions from foreign nationals until citizenship is achieved. The department says this move enhances identity verification and national security, but privacy advocates are raising tough questions about data security and surveillance, especially given the inclusion of minors and U.S. citizens. DHS also wants to tighten what counts as a valid reason for rescheduling a biometrics appointment, shifting from “good cause” to only “extraordinary circumstances” and withdrawing the presumption of good moral character for applicants under 14, a standard that's been in place for decades.Alongside this, DHS has officially expanded immigration enforcement powers for its USCIS branch. For the first time, USCIS officers now serve as sworn law-enforcement agents—authorized to investigate criminal violations, make arrests, carry firearms, and execute search and arrest warrants. Acting DHS Secretary Kenneth Cuccinelli called this “a historic step to unify benefit adjudication and fraud prevention under a single roof,” claiming it will streamline investigations and ramp up efforts against immigration-related crimes.Meanwhile, ICE is planning a 24/7 call center in Nashville to help law enforcement track unaccompanied migrant children for removal. Immigration advocates call this move dangerous, warning it may subject minors to insufficient legal protections and rapid deportations. At the state level, Texas is increasing its participation in the federal 287(g) program, deputizing state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws. This expansion prompted concerns from civil rights groups about racial profiling and community trust in law enforcement.For businesses—especially those who rely on foreign talent—expect heavier scrutiny in visa applications and compliance checks, particularly with concurrent Department of Labor initiatives targeting H-1B visa compliance. Universities are being urged by legal experts to audit their sponsorship practices, as Project Firewall ramps up oversight of academic H-1B hires.These changes affect millions: American citizens may face longer application times and more data-sharing, while mixed-status families could see heightened vetting. Employers risk higher administrative costs and stiffer penalties for non-compliance. For state and local governments, new responsibilities and potential legal battles loom, particularly in states like Texas that challenge federal immigration decisions. Internationally, stricter visa policies and expanded revocations could strain relations, as shown by the U.S. State Department’s revocation of roughly 80,000 nonimmigrant visas this year alone, more than double the yearly average.If these proposals are finalized, they could roll out as soon as early 2026. DHS encourages public comment on the biometrics expansion and its regulatory portal remains open for feedback—so if you have concerns, now’s the time to speak up. For more, check the Federal Register or DHS’s official press releases.Coming up, listeners should watch for the operational launch of the ICE call center by March, the outcome of legislative action on several immigration bills now in committee, and final implementation dates for these new enforcement measures.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s DHS news breakdown. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update on how homeland security policies are shaping your community and country. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• Expanded Immigration Powers for USCIS: Impacts on Businesses and Sanctuary Cities

  Thanks for joining us. Our top story from the Department of Homeland Security this week is a sweeping expansion of immigration enforcement powers under a final rule that now allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, and even carry firearms—roles traditionally reserved for other agencies like ICE. This marks the biggest shift in USCIS’s responsibilities in decades, and, according to the department, is part of an “ongoing effort to strengthen immigration law enforcement and deter fraud.”USCIS Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou described the move as “a pivotal step in ensuring the integrity of our immigration system and protecting national security.” In practical terms, this means new teams of special agents are coming to USCIS. They’ll be empowered not just to investigate civil violations, but also arrest individuals suspected of felonies or facilitating unlawful entry into the U.S.For American citizens and businesses, this has immediate impacts. Employers sponsoring new hires or foreign talent on work visas, such as the H-1B, now face heightened compliance scrutiny. This follows on the heels of Project Firewall from the Department of Labor, which cracks down on potential wage violations and fraud. Universities, tech firms, and multinational companies alike will need to review their practices, since failure to comply could bring surprise audits or even criminal prosecutions.Local governments and sanctuary jurisdictions are also in the spotlight. A coordinated federal strategy announced this fall requires DHS and the Department of Justice to publish a list of cities and states that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Those named face possible loss of federal funding and even legal action unless they align their policies.From a regulatory perspective, the week has seen more headlines: On November 3rd, DHS proposed requiring biometrics—think fingerprints and photos—from nearly anyone involved in immigration benefits, expanding both the data collected and who must participate. And starting October 30, automatic extensions for work authorization are gone; renewal applicants will now have to plan ahead to prevent employment gaps, a development that impacts both immigrants and their employers.Internationally, these changes signal a tougher U.S. stance at the border, with DHS collaborating with partners in Mexico and Central America to address unlawful crossings. The Secretary of Homeland Security said this is “part of our broader effort to ensure border security and restore lawful immigration processes.”Looking ahead, key deadlines include the implementation of USCIS’s new law enforcement authorities, with October 6 as the first major milestone. DHS is also actively seeking public comment on biometric rule proposals—the portal for feedback is open until December.For listeners wanting to weigh in or learn more, DHS invites public input via regulations.gov. You can also follow agency updates on their official website or social channels.That wraps up this week’s DHS news roundup. Thank you for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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