The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on January 21, 2022, announced 22 new fields of study have been added to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to enhance the contributions of nonimmigrant students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and support the growth of the U.S. economy and innovation.

The 22 new fields of study are bio-energy, general forestry, forest resources production and management, human-centered technology design, cloud computing, anthrozoology, climate science, earth systems science, economics and computer science, environmental geosciences, geobiology, geography and environmental studies, mathematical economics, mathematics and atmospheric and oceanic science, general data science, general data analytics, business analytics, data visualization, financial analytics, other data analytics, industrial and organizational psychology, and social sciences, research methodology, and quantitative methods.

Today Attorney General Merrick Garland reversed a decision of the Trump Administration’s Justice Department bringing back the ability for victims of domestic violence in their own countries to seek asylum in the United States.

In a short 3 page decision, AG Garland vacated Matter of A-B- I and Matter of A-B- II and encouraged immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals to follow Matter of A-R-C-G-, an August 26, 2014 decision.

The new decision is here:

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1404796/download

The 2014 A-R-C-G- decision is here:

https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/08/26/3811.pdf

On June 15, 2021 the Biden Administration announced an expansion of the CAM (Central American Minors) Program.

Parents and legal guardians in the United States can apply to bring their children into the United States if the parents or legal guardians are in the following categories: lawful permanent residence; temporary protected status; parole; deferred action; deferred enforced departure; or withholding of removal; are have filed an asylum application or U-visa before May 15, 2021.

For more information click on the link below.

https://www.state.gov/refugee-admissions/central-american-minors-cam-program/

Secretary Mayorkas today designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months through September 9, 2022.  It goes into effect on March 9, 2021.  There is a 180 day registration period beginning March 9, 2021 and ending September 5, 2021.  Successful applicants must prove continuous presence since March 8, 2021.