News in Brief

The following additional items may be of interest to our readers:

Children Currently in Detention Ordered Released: Due to COVID-19, U.S. District Court Judge Dolly M. Gee ordered that all children currently held at ICE Family Residential Centers (FRCs) for more than 20 days must be released by July 17, 2020, stating that FRCs are “on fire” and there is no more time for half measures.

Lawsuit Filed to Compel USCIS to Conduct Oath Ceremonies: The plaintiffs, naturalization applicants who have been unable to take the oath of allegiance in order to complete the last step of the naturalization process for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filed a proposed class action lawsuit in federal court in Pennsylvania seeking an order instructing USCIS to conduct administrative naturalizations permissible under the law, using all available technologies, by September 28, 2020, which is the last day on which Pennsylvania voters may register to vote in the national November election.

Visa Sanctions Imposed on Burundi: DHS announced that it has imposed visa sanctions on Burundi “due to lack of cooperation in accepting its citizens and nationals ordered removed” from the U.S. As of 6/12/20, the Bujumbura U.S. embassy has discontinued issuance of all NIVs, with exceptions, for Burundian citizens and nationals.

CBP To Reopen Trusted Traveler Programs Enrollment Centers: CBP announced that it plans to reopen Trusted Traveler Programs enrollment centers in early July. Beginning July 6, 2020, conditionally approved Global Entry, SENTRI, and U.S.-Mexico FAST applicants will be able to complete in-person interviews at most Trusted Traveler Programs enrollment centers.