Immigration Reforms And Updates From DHS And DOS

Proposed DHS administrative reforms designed to attract and retain highly skilled foreign nationals; DOS changes aim to improve visa and foreign visitor processing.

DHS Announces Proposed Administrative Reforms

In a press release dated January 31, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a number of proposed administrative reforms designed to enable the United States to attract and retain highly skilled foreign nationals. These reforms, which will not be effective until regulatory or administrative action is taken to implement them, include the following:

• Eligibility for a 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization would be expanded to include students who have a prior degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field and would not be limited to those who have just graduated with a degree in a STEM field. At present, only students whose most recent degree is in a designated STEM field may