Skip to content
News and updates

Author: Gabriel Kornas

State Department Suspends Most Visa Services Worldwide

Posted on

The US Department of State announced the temporary suspension of routine visa services at most overseas posts.

Any country with a travel advisory of 2, 3, or 4 will be affected. Among others, this includes the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Israel, South Korea, Italy, Japan, France, Ukraine, Russia, India, Denmark, Turkey, and Brazil. The Visa Waiver Program, which allows 90 day visas for certain nationalities, remains unaffected.

No timeline has been given. US Embassies and Consulates will continue to provide emergency visa services and American Citizens Services.

 

Senate Passes Second Supplemental

Posted on

The US Senate has passed the second supplemental appropriations bill approved by the House late last week. The legislation is now awaiting the President’s signature to become law. President Trump has expressed support for the bill.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was the result of negotiations between Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The bill provides sick leave, unemployment assistance, over $1 billion in food aid, and free COVID-19 testing.

Department of Education Relaxes Rules for Accreditors

Posted on

Amidst COVID-19, the Department of Education sent a letter to higher education accrediting agencies allowing them to relax rules regarding site visits. Accreditors will be allowed to conduct virtual site visits, and can extend an institution’s accreditation if a site visit or hearing would not be possible. However, the virtual site visit must be “engaged” and “interactive” and followed up by an in-person visit eventually. The Department stressed that this should be considered a “unique and temporary departure” from requirements.

Department of Energy Soliciting Scientific Questions Regarding COVID-19

Posted on

The Department of Energy sent a letter to academic institutions soliciting questions which might enable the Department to use its facilities, infrastructure, or computational resources in response to COVID-19. Although the DoE does not undertake medical or clinical work, it can be an important element of the Federal Government response. UW faculty wishing to respond can contact our office or follow the instructions in the letter.

House Passes Second Supplemental

Posted on

The House of Representatives held votes just after midnight on Saturday to pass a second supplemental appropriations bill to fund the American COVID-19 response.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, is bipartisan legislation resulting from negotiation between House Democrats and the White House. The bill guarantees free COVID-19 testing, paid emergency leave, and strengthens food security among other things. A summary can be found here.

The supplemental is with the Senate, which canceled its scheduled recess (district work period). The House is now in recess until March 23rd.