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Category: Administration

Federal Judge Blocks New DACA Applications

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A federal judge in Texas has issued a ruling to block all new DACA applications nationwide. Existing recipients and renewal applications will be unaffected for now.

US District Judge Andrew S. Hanen stated that the program oversteps executive authority. He remanded the issue to the Department of Homeland Security, which asserted it is ready and willing to try and fix legal defects in the program.

Read more here. The full opinion is available here.

UW’s 2021 Federal Agenda urges Congress to pass permanent, positive solutions for DACA recipients and their families as part of a comprehensive immigration reform package.

Deal Reached on an Infrastructure Package

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Today the White House announced a deal has been reached with the Administration and a group of bipartisan Senators on the outline of a $1 trillion (including approx. $579 billion new spending) traditional infrastructure package. These priorities include roads, bridges, public transit, electric vehicles, coastal infrastructure, rural broadband access, and supporting IRS tax collection efforts on high earners. The legislation must still be written and pass both chambers.

Calls from within the Democratic caucus for a “human” infrastructure package- addressing paid leave, childcare, housing, and community college, is likely to go through the budget reconciliation process in a similar manner to the American Rescue Plan Act. The President indicated he would want to see both pieces of legislation arrive on his desk together.

Read more here.

Bipartisan ARPA-H Legislation Introduced

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US Representatives DeGette (D-CO) and Upton (R-MI) released yesterday bipartisan legislation which would create the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health outlined in President Biden’s FY22 budget request. Titled the Cures 2.0 Act, the legislation would provide more than $6.5 billion for US research efforts on health issues such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, as well as improve Medicare coverage, patient access to health information, caregiver training, and diversity in clinical trials.

Draft text is available here.

 

ICE Continues March 2020 Guidance to 2021-22 Academic Year

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The ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced it will extend COVID-19 related flexibilities through the 2021-22 school year, including allowing continuing international students to count online classes towards a full course of study. These flexibilities were originally announced in March 2020.

An updated FAQ can be found here.

Members of the UW community with specific questions should contact ISS or ISO depending on their affiliation.

State Department Updates Visa FAQs

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The US Department of State has published updated FAQs regarding visa processing, which can be found here. Visa processing will resume as local conditions at embassies and consulates allow.

Travel restrictions remain in place for foreigners who have been present in China, Iran, Brazil, UK, Ireland, South Africa, and the 26 countries in the Schengen area within 14 days preceding arrival into the US.

Members of the UW community with specific questions about their status should contact International Scholar Operations or International Student Services.