ICE News

ICE News Updates

March 31, 2025 Lawsuits regarding TPS
February 20, 2025: Haiti TPS Update

On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025.

***Update: Lawsuits to prevent the termination of TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans are pending.
February 5, 2025: Venezuela TPS

On October 3, 2023, Venezuela was newly designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) based on the determination that there were extraordinary and temporary conditions in that country that prevented the safe return of Venezuelan nationals, and that permitting such Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is not contrary to the U.S. national interest. The 2023 designation of Venezuela for TPS is set to expire on April 2, 2025. After reviewing country conditions and considering whether permitting Venezuelan nationals covered by the 2023 designation is contrary to the national interest of the United States, in consultation with the appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that Venezuela no longer continues to meet the conditions for the 2023 designation. The Secretary therefore is terminating the 2023 TPS designation of Venezuela.

This termination issued via Federal Register Notice is effective April 7, 2025. After April 7, 2025, nationals of Venezuela (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who have been granted TPS under the 2023 Venezuela designation will no longer have TPS. This termination determination does not apply to the 2021 designation of Venezuela for TPS, which remains in effect until September 10, 2025, or to individuals who are registered for TPS under the 2021 designation.

***Update: Lawsuits to prevent the termination of TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans are pending.
January 24, 2025: Designating Aliens for Expedited Removal

New Federal Register Notice which rescinds the March 21, 2022 Notice, Rescission of the Notice of July 23, 2019, Designation for Expedited Removal was published. This Notice also restores the scope of expedited removal to the fullest extent authorized by Congress.

The Coast Community College District remains firmly committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and the community. For those who may be impacted by this executive order, please view the CCCD website for general information, answers to important questions, and links and phone numbers to college and statewide resources: Resources for Undocumented Students
I am an international student. What can immigration enforcement officers want from me?
The requirements for international students are different from those for domestic students. The college must report to federal immigration agencies on the status of international students on F-1, J-1, or M visas through a government database known as SEVIS, part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Moreover, the college must retain and, upon the request of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), produce specific information about those students.

FERPA (Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act) authorizes institutions to report information to the DHS to meet SEVP program requirements. However, this does NOT constitute a blanket waiver of an international student’s FERPA rights; the information that may be disclosed is limited to that which falls into the categories enumerated in DHS regulations. Information about other international students deserves the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student records.
January 20, 2025: A statement from GEC regarding the change of US President & Federal Administration
We do not anticipate any changes that would affect F-1 visa international students. We know speculation and rumors can be nerve-wracking.

It’s important to remain calm and avoid making assumptions based on speculation, unverified information, social media, or even news or print media articles. Changes to policies and laws, particularly those affecting F-1 students, require clear and formal procedures through official channels, and significant modifications typically take a long time to implement, if the proposed changes even make it through the legal challenges in the courts.

Here’s how you can stay informed and prepared:
1. Follow Official Sources: Updates related to immigration policies will come from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or other authorized entities. (Newspapers/Media outlets often get information wrong when writing about complicated topics they do not understand, like non-immigrant visa policies.)
2. Avoid Premature Actions: There’s no need to preemptively alter your plans, or documentation. Wait for official guidance from our office before making any decisions.
3. Stay Connected: Our office is here to provide accurate information and guidance. We maintain an ICE News updates page for this very reason. Any changes (and updates, or assistance tools) will be announced here.
Remember, our institution values and supports its international students, and we are committed to advocating for your success and well-being. If you would like to discuss any concerns, please contact your F-1 advisor in the GEC.

OCC and the Coast District are aware of and are closely monitoring all events that could impact our international students. We will update this ICE updates page and communicate any changes in regulations to our F1 students directly.
January 17, 2025: Ukraine TPS Extended

Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, beginning on April 20, 2025, and ending on October 19, 2026. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through October 19, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period described in this notice.
January 17, 2025: Sudan TPS Extended

Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the designation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, beginning on April 20, 2025, and ending on October 19, 2026. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through October 19, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period described in this notice.
January 17, 2025: Extension of the Designation of El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status

Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing that the Secretary of Homeland Security is extending the designation of El Salvador for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, beginning on March 10, 2025, and ending on September 9, 2026. This extension allows eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS though September 9, 2026, so long as they otherwise continue to meet eligibility requirements for TPS.
October 17, 2024: Lebanon Special Student Relief Announced
- On October 17, 2024, the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. This notice provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible students from Lebanon from July 26, 2024, until Jan. 25, 2026.
  
  This notice temporarily suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible Lebanese students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon and will announce any additional modifications or extensions to this notice in the Federal Register.
  
  This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet the following conditions:
  - Are citizens of Lebanon regardless of country or birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon);
  - Were lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on July 26, 2024;
  - Are enrolled in a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP)-Certified School;
  - Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
  - Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
  The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until Jan. 25, 2026, for eligible Lebanese students.
  
  Please refer to the Lebanon Federal Register Notice for more information regarding:
  - The specific SSR action effective with this notice;
  - Who is covered by this SSR action;
  - Why DHS took this SSR action; and
  How to apply for employment authorization under this SSR action. R action.
March 22, 2024: Burma Special Student Relief Announced
On March 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Burma who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Burma. This notice provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible students from Burma from May 26, 2024, until Nov. 25, 2025.

This notice temporarily suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible students from Burma. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in Burma and will announce any additional modifications or extensions to this notice in the Federal Register.

This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:
- Are citizens of Burma regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burma);
- Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on March 22, 2024;
- Are enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school;
- Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
- Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Burma.
The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until Nov. 25, 2025, for eligible students from Burma.

Please refer to the Burma SSR Federal Register notice or contact your OCC F-1 Advisor for more information regarding:
- The specific SSR action effective with this notice;
- Who is covered by this SSR action;
- Why DHS took this SSR action; and
- How to apply for employment authorization under this SSR action.
March 10, 2023: DHS Redesignates and Extends Special Student Relief Employment to Somali Students
On March 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Somalia who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current crisis in Somalia. This notice redesignates Special Student Relief (SSR) to include eligible students who are in a lawful F-1 status as of March 18, 2023 and extends relief until Sept. 17, 2024.

These notices temporarily suspend applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible Somali students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in Somalia and will announce any additional modifications or extensions to these notices in the Federal Register.

These notices apply exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:
- Are a citizen of Somalia regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia).
- Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of publication of this notice in F-1 nonimmigrant status.
- Are enrolled in an SEVP-certified school.
- Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
- Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia.
The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until Sept. 17, 2024, for Somali students.
September 27, 2022: - Suspension of certain regulations for Burmese students

Employment Authorization for Burmese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Burma (Myanmar)

Students who are in valid F-1 status and meet the requirements listed in the link above, may drop to 6 units instead of the normal minimum 12 units.

Students who meet the requirements listed in the link above, can work (ON-CAMPUS) in excess of 20 hours per week if the school allows. Unfortunately, OCC does not.

Students may also apply for Severe Economic Hardship work authorization which will allow OFF-CAMPUS work in excess of 20 hours per week. Under SSR this process has been simplified somewhat. Please attend the Severe Economic Hardship Workshop on October 28th at 1:30pm on zoom.

Students may also apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while remaining an F-1 Student.

We encourage all Burmese students to discuss their situation with their F-1 advisor and/or attend the Severe Economic Hardship Workshop on October 28th at 1:30pm on zoom.
April 18, 2022: DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Ukrainian and Sudanese Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to students from Ukraine and Sudan Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship

Please refer to the Ukraine Federal Register Notice for more information regarding:
- Reduction in required units per semester to maintain status
- Increase in hours allowed to work on campus and/or off campus
For more information about SSR and when eligible students may apply, please view the What is Special Student Relief? monographic in the Study in the States Resource Library. Or contact your OCC F-1 advisor.

Please refer to the Sudan Federal Register Notice for more information regarding:
- Reduction in required units per semester to maintain status
- Increase in hours allowed to work on campus and/or off campus
Additional benefits may be available under TPS (Temporary Protected Status). For more information about SSR and when eligible students may apply, please view the What is Special Student Relief? monographic in the Study in the States Resource Library. Or contact your OCC F-1 advisor.
July 26, 2021: Joint statement by the US Department of State and the US Department of Education
March 12, 2021: Burma (Myanmar) Designated as TPS country

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ICE News Updates