This week’s top story from the Department of Homeland Security: Secretary Kristi Noem held a national press briefing yesterday, highlighting sweeping changes that will reshape how immigration laws are enforced and how key federal property is protected, all while expressing gratitude to frontline TSA agents for their service during the recent government shutdown, as covered by FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Let’s start with the dramatic expansion of powers at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to Duane Morris, as of September, a final DHS rule means USCIS isn’t just about paperwork anymore – they now have robust new law enforcement authority. That includes the power to detain, arrest, and even execute search warrants related to both civil and criminal immigration violations. They’re also launching neighborhood checks for naturalization applicants, revisiting a practice last seen in the early ’90s – a move aimed at what officials call “enhancing good moral character” checks. Secretary Noem has stated that these efforts are about protecting national integrity and deterring unlawful entry, a move that could impact thousands, especially in states with so-called sanctuary cities. For employers and foreign nationals, the message is clear: compliance and preparedness are more crucial than ever, as the level of scrutiny is about to ratchet up.

Meanwhile, DHS just proposed an overhaul to the H-1B visa selection process, according to K&L Gates. Instead of a random lottery, the approach will now heavily favor high-wage roles. This change could significantly decrease chances for recent graduates and entry-level workers – a major shift for American businesses and international students. DHS is seeking public input, with comments open until October 24, so listeners: if this policy affects you or your company, now is the time to get your voice heard.

Turning to federal property security, new DHS regulations go into effect January 1, tightening how federal buildings are protected. The Federal Register notes that this includes new protocols and possibly upgraded surveillance, a move designed to address evolving threats in the wake of recent unrest.

For context, policy expert Dr. Marta Ramirez warns these combined enforcement changes will likely mean more audits for local governments and increased operational costs for U.S. businesses hiring foreign talent, while immigrants navigating these systems should brace for lengthier and more complex procedures.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch DHS’s upcoming town hall scheduled for December 3, when implementation details for these changes will be released. For more information, visit DHS.gov or your local government’s website. If you want to weigh in on the H-1B rule, submit comments before the October deadline.

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