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Notice2023-047372023-03-13

Employment Authorization for Somali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Somalia

Homeland Security Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Abstract

This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Somalia, regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia), and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia. The Secretary is taking action to provide relief to these Somali students who are lawful F-1 nonimmigrant students so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant student status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged in a "full course of study" for the duration of the employment authorization, if the nonimmigrant student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in this notice.

Action & Dates

Action
Notice.
Dates
This action is effective March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024.
Effective Date
2023-03-18

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [Docket No. ICEB-2022-0015] RIN 1653-ZA35 AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Somalia, regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia), and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia. The Secretary is taking action to provide relief to these Somali students who are lawful F-1 nonimmigrant students so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant student status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study” for the duration of the employment authorization, if the nonimmigrant student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in this notice. DATES: This action is effective March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024. ( printed page 15428) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Snyder, Unit Chief, Policy and Response Unit, Student and Exc

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Full Document

Citation: 88 FR 15427