Tag Archives: Department of Homeland Security

Worksite Enforcement Investigations on the Rise

Nearly Double as Compared to Previous Year

Acting Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Derek N. Benner stated in a May 14, 2018 press release that “Employers need to understand that the integrity of their employment records is just as important to the federal government as the integrity of their tax files and banking records. All industries, regardless of size, location and type are expected to comply with the law.”

U.S.… More

Federal Judge Issues Decision That Can Determine DACA’s Fate

On April 24, 2018, a district judge for the District of D.C. ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. In his opinion, Judge John Bates said the administration failed to provide reasoning to adequately explain its conclusion that DACA was unlawful. “Neither the meager legal reasoning nor the assessment of litigation risk provided by DHS to support its rescission decision is sufficient to sustain termination of the DACA program.”

This decision is the first to reinstate DACA in its entirety,… More

New Portal for F-1 International Students and an Update on Potential Changes to OPT Rules

International students studying in the U.S. (typically in F-1 nonimmigrant status) must comply with many federal regulations while studying and working in the U.S. Much of their information is coordinated through their school’s designated school official (“DSO”), who reports the F-1 student’s information using the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement’s (“ICE”) database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (“SEVIS”), which stores and reports information about the F-1 student’s immigration status.… More

Border Searches of Travelers’ Electronic Devices Remain an Evolving Area of U.S. Law

Last year, we provided an update on the Trump administration’s controversial ramp up of border searches and inspections of electronic devices of travelers applying for admission to the U.S. A variety of travelers have since challenged U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS’), alleging fourth amendment violations. In fact, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued another directive earlier this year that further clarified their authority to search electronic devices.… More