CBP Field Operations Academy Accreditation Renewal Public Comment

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations Academy is seeking to maintain its accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CBP is providing the public an opportunity to submit comments relevant to the accreditation process.

CNMI Prevailing Wage Data Updated for CW-1 Program

The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has published updated prevailing wage data for the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) CW-1 program. The updated wage table covers 848 occupations and will be effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

OFLC Updates Wage Statistics for July 2025-June 2026

The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has published updated Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the July 2025 through June 2026 wage year. These updates include revised Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) delineations based on the 2020 Census, impacting prevailing wage determinations.

PERM Online Filing Adds External Case Actions Tab

The Department of Labor's PERM online filing system has added a new 'External Case Actions' tab to the Case Details page. This feature will display case actions performed by the filer, including their name and email address.

Labor Department Resumes Foreign Labor Application Processing

The Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has resumed processing of applications for prevailing wages and labor certification determinations. The Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system and SeasonalJobs.dol.gov are now operational, allowing employers to submit new applications and access pending ones.

OFLC Updates Registration Number Linking for Primary Worksite MSAs

The Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has updated its 9142B Registration Number linking ability. This technical update allows the system to match registration number records containing Primary Worksite MSAs created in prior years that map to a current MSA value.

November 2025 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2025, detailing the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for immigrant visas. This bulletin informs visa applicants when they should assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

January 2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2026, detailing the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications' for immigrant visas. This bulletin indicates when visa applicants can expect to be notified to assemble and submit their required documentation to the National Visa Center.

February 2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates

The Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for February 2026, detailing the cutoff dates for immigrant visa applications. This bulletin indicates when applicants should be prepared to submit their documentation to the National Visa Center for final action.

December 2025 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2025. This bulletin details the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications' for preference immigrant visas, indicating when applicants can submit required documentation.

March 2026 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, detailing immigrant visa availability. This bulletin provides "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for various preference categories, guiding applicants on when to submit documentation for immigrant visas and adjustment of status applications.

H-1B Visa Entry Restricted for Specialty Occupations

USCIS issued a memorandum restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers, effective September 21, 2025. The restriction applies to new petitions unless accompanied by a $100,000 payment. This action aims to address systemic abuse of the H-1B visa program.

USCIS Memo on Asylum and Benefit Applications from High-Risk Countries

USCIS issued a policy memorandum on December 2, 2025, directing personnel to place a hold on all pending asylum applications and certain benefit requests from aliens from high-risk countries. The memo mandates a comprehensive re-review of these applications and previously approved benefits for national security and public safety threats.

USCIS Policy Memo: Hold and Review of Applications from High-Risk Countries

USCIS issued a policy memorandum directing personnel to place a hold on all pending benefit applications from aliens listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998, which identifies additional high-risk countries for security review. This action requires a comprehensive review of policies and existing approved benefit requests.

USCIS Holds Diversity Visa Adjustment of Status Applications for Review

USCIS has placed a hold on all pending Diversity Visa (DV) Program adjustment of status applications for a comprehensive security review. This action mandates a thorough review of policies, procedures, and vetting processes, including interviews for Form I-485, for all affected applicants.

USCIS Policy: DACA Termination for Firearm Purchase Attempts

USCIS has issued new policy guidance instructing officers to terminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status for recipients who unlawfully attempt to purchase a firearm. This policy aligns with Executive Order 14161 and federal firearms regulations.

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective May 4, 2026. This decision follows a review of country conditions and consultations with government agencies, determining that Yemen no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation.

USCIS Aids Immigration Fraud Investigation Leading to Indictments

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assisted an investigation in New York that resulted in the indictment and arrest of four individuals for alleged immigration fraud. The charges include wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and false impersonation of U.S. officials, with over $100,000 in fraudulent transactions identified.

Immigration Fraudster Arrested Working as Corrections Officer

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the arrest of Morris Brown, a Liberian national working as a Minnesota corrections officer, for serial immigration fraud. Brown allegedly overstayed his student visa, made false claims to U.S. citizenship, and committed marriage fraud.

DHS Proposes Rule to Strengthen Asylum Seeker Screening

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to strengthen the screening of asylum seekers and reduce fraudulent claims for work authorization. The proposed changes aim to decrease the incentive for meritless applications, thereby reducing processing times and the asylum backlog.

Salvadoran Child Molester Denaturalized and Ordered Deported

USCIS announced that a Salvadoran national, Isidro Arcenio Alvarado, has been denaturalized and ordered deported from the US after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining citizenship. Alvarado concealed his criminal history, including child molestation charges, on his naturalization application. This action is part of Operation False Haven.

USCIS Denaturalization Action Against Former North Miami Mayor for Fraud

USCIS and the Department of Justice have initiated a civil denaturalization complaint against Philippe Bien-Aime, former Mayor of North Miami, for alleged document and marriage fraud used to obtain U.S. citizenship. The investigation utilized fingerprint comparison as part of a national initiative to identify immigration fraud.

USCIS Updates EAD Validity Periods for Certain Categories

USCIS has updated the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect changes in Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity periods for specific categories, as mandated by recent legislation. These changes apply to pending or newly filed requests on or after July 22, 2025.

USCIS Implements New Immigration Parole Fee

USCIS has issued policy guidance implementing a new immigration parole fee, as established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This fee applies to all aliens paroled into the United States on or after October 16, 2025, unless an exception applies.

USCIS Rescinds Expedited Naturalization for Certain SSI Beneficiaries

USCIS has rescinded its policy guidance for expedited naturalization processing for certain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This change impacts individuals who were previously eligible for expedited processing under a settlement agreement related to the Kaplan v. Chertoff case.

Board of Registration in Medicine v. Brian J. Poore - Reciprocal Discipline

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has issued a Final Decision and Order for Dr. Brian J. Poore, imposing reciprocal discipline based on a prior disciplinary action by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for substance misuse. The Board adopted the findings and conclusions of a Recommended Decision, asserting jurisdiction despite the respondent's lapsed Massachusetts license.

Dr. Agrawal Faces Medical License Suspension

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine has issued a Final Decision and Order against Dr. Amy Agrawal, recommending the suspension of her medical license. This action follows her failure to respond to a Statement of Allegations, appear for a pre-hearing conference, and respond to a Motion to Default.

Minneapolis man sentenced 57 months for bribing juror

Minneapolis man sentenced 57 months for bribing juror

January 2026 Environmental Crimes Bulletin cases by district

January 2026 Environmental Crimes Bulletin cases by district

US seizes LeakBase hacker forum, 142,000 members

US seizes LeakBase hacker forum, 142,000 members

Justice Department reaches $668M settlement for waterway cleanup

Justice Department reaches $668M settlement for waterway cleanup

GAO Report on DOD Readiness Challenges

The GAO released a report detailing significant readiness challenges within the Department of Defense (DOD), highlighting that many of its nearly 200 recommendations to improve military readiness remain unaddressed. The report emphasizes the need for DOD to implement these recommendations to maintain its global military dominance.

NHS Commissioning Board and CCGs Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has amended the National Health Service Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (Responsibilities and Standing Rules) Regulations 2012. These amendments, effective April 1, 2026, update the rates for NHS funded nursing care payable by NHS England or integrated care boards.

England Planning Regulations Modify Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Local Planning) (Modification and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2026, effective March 25, 2026. These regulations modify Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 concerning joint local plans and joint supplementary plans.

The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into force on March 25, 2026. These regulations provide updated rules for local planning authorities in England, exercising powers under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Income Tax Exemption for Social Security Benefits Regulations 2026

The UK Treasury has issued the Income Tax (Exemption of Social Security Benefits) Regulations 2026, effective April 1, 2026. These regulations modify the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 to exempt payments from the Crisis and Resilience Fund from income tax.

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 Commencement Regulations

The Scottish Ministers have published regulations to bring specific sections of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 into force on March 16, 2026. These regulations concern the functions of the Land Commissioners related to natural capital markets and hutting leases.

Pablo Munoz Jr. v. Dart Container Corporation - Discrimination Case

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied Dart Container Corporation's motion to dismiss a case brought by former employee Pablo Munoz Jr. The plaintiff alleges race discrimination, national origin discrimination, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 following his termination.

Rupal Soni v. Angell Family Foundation Pension Plan - ERISA Lawsuit

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied a motion to dismiss an ERISA claim filed by Rupal Soni against the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation and its 403(b) Pension Plan. The plaintiff alleges breach of fiduciary duties and discrimination.

Parth Chatwani v. Kristi Noem - Immigration Habeas Corpus

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted in part and denied in part the government's motion to dismiss in Parth Atul Chatwani v. Kristi Noem, et al. The court dismissed the petition for a writ of habeas corpus without prejudice but granted Chatwani's motion for a preliminary injunction.

Everest Indemnity Insurance v. Kates Detective - Declaratory Judgment

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted Everest Indemnity Insurance Company's motion for summary judgment, ruling it is not obligated to defend or indemnify Kates Detective & Security Services Agency, Inc. and the Chicago Housing Authority in an underlying wrongful death lawsuit. The court found that Kates failed to procure the required insurance coverage as per their agreement.

Walgreen Co. v. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. - Motion to Dismiss

The District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted Collegium Pharmaceutical's motion to dismiss a case filed by Walgreen Co. The court found a lack of personal jurisdiction and failure to state a claim regarding alleged breaches of a return policy for pain medications. The case involved claims of over $14 million in unjust enrichment.

Colorado QuitLine Offers Incentive to Quit Tobacco

The Colorado QuitLine is offering adults up to $100 in incentives for completing a tobacco and nicotine cessation coaching series. This initiative aims to increase quit rates, with participants receiving personalized coaching and free nicotine replacement therapy.

Measles Outbreak Declared in Broomfield, Colorado

Colorado public health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak following a third connected case. The announcement details known exposure sites and dates in Broomfield, urging unvaccinated individuals to consider post-exposure prophylaxis and monitor for symptoms. The public is advised to contact health officials if symptoms develop.

FDA Safety Communication on Choking Rescue Protocols and Devices

The FDA is issuing a safety communication to encourage the public and healthcare providers to follow established choking rescue protocols before using anti-choking devices. The agency highlights that established protocols, such as back blows and abdominal thrusts, are the most effective method and that using devices first could delay life-saving actions.

Nominations for Federal Reserve Board of Governors Sent to Senate

The White House announced that nominations for Kevin Warsh to be Chairman and a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System have been sent to the Senate. This action is part of the standard appointment process for the Federal Reserve.

Presidential Proclamation on Ratepayer Protection Pledge

President Trump issued a proclamation establishing the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which seven leading technology companies have accepted. The pledge ensures that the energy demands of data centers and AI infrastructure will not increase household electricity costs, with companies agreeing to pay for new generation resources and infrastructure upgrades.

ESMA Compliance Table for Market Abuse Guidelines under MiCA

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table for its guidelines on market abuse under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This document serves as a reference for entities to understand their obligations regarding market abuse provisions within the MiCA framework.

ESMA Compliance Table for Crypto Asset Classification Guidelines

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table related to its Joint Guidelines on templates for explanations and opinions, and the standardised test for the classification of crypto assets. This document serves as a reference for entities to ensure their compliance with existing guidelines.

ESMA Compliance Table: Crypto-Assets as Financial Instruments

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table related to its Guidelines on the conditions and criteria for qualifying crypto-assets as financial instruments. This document serves as a reference for market participants to understand how to apply the guidelines.