Department of Homeland Security (DHS) News

• DHS Rescinds Protections for Immigrants, Raises Fears for Healthcare Providers

  Welcome to this week's update on the Department of Homeland Security. The most significant headline this week comes from a major policy shift announced by Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman. On January 20, 2025, the DHS rescinded the Biden Administration's guidelines for immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas such as schools, hospitals, and churches[1][2].This change means that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now conduct enforcement actions, including arrests, in these previously protected areas. According to a DHS spokesperson, this action empowers law enforcement to enforce immigration laws and catch criminal aliens who have illegally entered the country. The spokesperson emphasized that criminals will no longer be able to hide in these areas to avoid arrest, and the Trump Administration trusts law enforcement to use common sense in their operations[1].Additionally, the DHS has ended the broad abuse of humanitarian parole, returning the program to a case-by-case basis. This move aims to address the indiscriminate allowance of 1.5 million migrants into the country under the previous administration[1].Healthcare facilities are particularly affected by this policy change. Administrators must now prepare for potential interactions with ICE while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, especially those related to privacy and patient rights[2].In other news, Secretary Kristi Noem delivered welcome remarks to DHS staff on January 28, 2025, sharing her vision for the department[5].Looking ahead, it's crucial for American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments to understand these changes. For healthcare providers, this means being prepared for increased enforcement activities and ensuring that patient rights are protected. For the general public, it's essential to be aware of these policy shifts and their potential impacts on communities.To stay informed, visit the DHS website for the latest updates and resources. For those interested in learning more about the implications of these changes, especially in the healthcare sector, Holland & Knight provides detailed guidance on navigating these new policies[2].Stay tuned for further developments and remember to engage with your local communities and representatives to voice your concerns and opinions on these critical issues. Thank you for joining us this week.

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• DHS Updates: Rescinding Protected Areas, Border Security Funding, and Homeland Security Initiatives

  Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive into the latest news and developments from the Department of Homeland Security. This week, we're starting with a significant headline that's making waves: the rescission of the Biden administration's 2021 Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas memorandum.On January 20, 2025, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman rescinded this policy, which previously protected areas like schools, hospitals, and churches from enforcement actions. This change means that DHS officers and agents no longer have specific guidelines to follow when it comes to taking enforcement actions in these sensitive locations.But that's not all. Let's take a step back and look at some of the key developments in the department. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget for DHS has been released, with a focus on border security, immigration law enforcement, and IT modernization. The budget proposes $62.2 billion in discretionary funding, including $2.7 billion designated for emergency funding. It also includes $4.7 billion for a Southwest Border Contingency Fund to provide resources when migration conditions warrant additional capacity[1].In terms of new initiatives, DHS has been working to strengthen and innovate its operations. The department has provided $8.6 billion in grant funds to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, and has taken significant steps to transform the way sensitive or classified information is available to operators. For example, Border Patrol Agents can now access classified vetting in real-time for certain nationals[3].But what does this mean for American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments? The rescission of the protected areas policy has raised concerns about the potential impact on communities. As one expert noted, the lack of specific guidelines could lead to a more aggressive enforcement approach, which could have unintended consequences.In terms of budget allocations, the FY 2025 budget prioritizes border security and immigration law enforcement. This includes $405 million to hire 1,300 additional Border Patrol Agents, $239 million to hire 1,000 additional CBP Officers, and $755 million to hire an additional 1,600 Asylum Officers and support staff[1].So, what's next? The department is continuing to work on implementing its new policies and initiatives. Citizens can stay informed by visiting the DHS website and following the department's social media accounts. If you're interested in learning more, we recommend checking out the DHS budget in brief document, which provides a detailed breakdown of the department's funding priorities.That's all for today. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.Resources:- DHS Budget in Brief: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/2024_0311_fy_2025_budget_in_brief.pdf- DHS News: https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2025/01/17/dhs-strengthened-and-innovated-leveraged-new-partnerships-and-invested-workforceStay informed, and stay safe.

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• DHS Rescinds Protected Areas, Strengthens Screening: Impacts and Implications

  Welcome to our latest update on the Department of Homeland Security. This week, the most significant headline comes from a major policy shift. On January 20, 2025, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman rescinded the Biden administration's 2021 Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas memorandum. This change means that places like schools, hospitals, and churches are no longer specifically designated as protected areas under DHS enforcement policy[1].This decision marks a significant shift in how DHS conducts enforcement actions. Previously, officers and agents were required to seek prior approval from their agency's headquarters before taking enforcement actions in these protected areas, absent exigent circumstances. This change could have far-reaching impacts on communities and individuals who rely on these services.In other news, DHS has been strengthening its capabilities to address the evolving threat landscape. The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment highlights the ongoing threat of domestic and foreign terrorism, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among federal, state, and local partners[2].DHS has also made significant strides in enhancing its screening and vetting processes. The department has expanded its use of classified information in immigration adjudications and has increased its capabilities for continuous vetting of non-citizens to identify national security or public safety threats[4].These developments underscore the importance of DHS's role in protecting the American people. As Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas noted, "The Homeland Security Assessment provides an important overview of the dynamic and evolving threat landscape, illustrating just how varied and challenging the threats we confront are."For American citizens, these changes mean increased scrutiny and potentially more stringent enforcement actions in previously protected areas. Businesses and organizations may need to adapt to new security protocols and vetting processes. State and local governments will continue to play a crucial role in collaborating with DHS to address these threats.Looking ahead, it's essential to stay informed about these developments and their impacts. Citizens can engage by staying up-to-date on DHS announcements and participating in public forums. For more information, visit dhs.gov. As we continue to navigate these complex issues, your input and awareness are crucial in shaping the future of homeland security.Next steps to watch include further updates on DHS's enforcement policies and the implementation of new vetting processes. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining us today.

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• "DHS Update: H-1B Modernization Rule and National Security Initiatives"

  Welcome to this week's update on the Department of Homeland Security's latest news and developments. I'm your host, and we're diving right into the most significant headline from the department this week.The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, has announced a final H-1B modernization rule that took effect on January 17, 2025. This rule aims to streamline the H-1B review and approval process and improve the integrity and oversight of the H-1B program. Key provisions include clarifying the definition of the H-1B specialty occupation, allowing owners and entrepreneurs to have their own companies file H-1 petitions on their behalf, and strengthening cap gap protections for F-1 students awaiting a change of immigration status to H-1B.This rule change is significant for American businesses and international workers. According to USCIS, the new beneficiary-centric selection process for the FY 2025 H-1B registration period has resulted in dramatically fewer attempts to game the system. This means that employers can better retain talented workers, and the program's integrity is enhanced.But what does this mean for you? If you're an employer looking to hire international talent, this rule simplifies the process and provides more flexibility. For international workers, it offers clearer pathways to employment in the U.S. And for American citizens, it ensures that the H-1B program is used as intended, to fill critical skill gaps in the workforce.In other news, the Department of Homeland Security has been working on various initiatives to improve national security and public safety. While there are no new public health alerts from DHS this week, it's worth noting that the CDC's Health Alert Network continues to monitor and report on various health threats, including recent cases of Mpox and meningococcal disease.Looking ahead, it's important to stay informed about these developments and how they might impact you. For more information on the H-1B modernization rule and other DHS initiatives, visit uscis.gov. And if you're interested in providing feedback on these changes, keep an eye on the DHS website for opportunities to engage.That's all for this week. Thank you for tuning in. Stay safe, and stay informed.

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• DHS Updates on H-1B, H-2 Rules, Enforcement, and Partnerships

  Welcome to our podcast on the latest developments from the Department of Homeland Security. This week, we're focusing on significant policy changes and updates that impact various stakeholders.Starting off, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that the H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule took effect on January 17, 2025. These rules modernize and improve requirements for the H-1B and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs. The H-1B rule streamlines the approval process, increases flexibility for employers to retain talented workers, and strengthens oversight. The H-2 rule enhances worker protections, imposing new consequences on companies that violate labor laws and providing greater flexibility for H-2A and H-2B workers[1][2].Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas recently highlighted the department's efforts to enforce immigration laws, noting a 60% drop in border encounters since last summer's proclamation. In Fiscal Year 2024, DHS completed approximately 700,000 removals and returns, more than any Fiscal Year since 2010[5].These changes have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For businesses, the H-1B modernization rule clarifies the definition of specialty occupations and allows owners and entrepreneurs to have their own companies file H-1 petitions on their behalf. This provides greater flexibility in hiring and retaining skilled workers[2].For state and local governments, the enhanced worker protections in the H-2 rule can help ensure that migrant workers are treated fairly and safely. Additionally, the department's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking have led to a 10% decline in overdose deaths, demonstrating the importance of these initiatives for public safety[3].Internationally, the department's partnerships with countries across the region have been crucial in implementing and enforcing immigration strategies. Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the importance of these collaborations in protecting national security and public safety[5].Looking ahead, it's essential for citizens and businesses to be aware of these changes and their implications. The new version of Form I-129 must be used starting January 17, 2025, and any petitions received on or after this date using the old form will be rejected[1].For more information on these developments and how they may affect you, visit the Department of Homeland Security's website. Stay tuned for further updates and remember, public input is crucial in shaping these policies. Thank you for joining us today.

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