U.S.A.'s latest interesting news

BROWSE BY TOPIC New Releases Best Sellers eBooks & e-Magazines Subscriptions Standing Orders Sale & Clearance SEARCH OUR SITE What exactly is implementation science? The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences explains in today's blog at: https://bit.ly/318y0OL

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Move ensures alignment with Executive Order 13767

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced its intention to terminate two categorical parole programs, consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 13767, Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements, and to better ensure that parole is used only on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the law. Parole is a process that allows foreign nationals to temporarily enter or remain in the United States, including those who are otherwise inadmissible. The programs to be terminated are the Haitian Family Reunification Parole program and the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program.

Under both of these categorical parole programs, individuals with approved family-based immigrant petitions have been authorized to enter and work in the United States while waiting for their green card to become available. The decision to end these parole programs ends the expedited processing that was made available to these populations in a categorical fashion. It follows an extensive review to better ensure that parole authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act is exercised on a case-by-case basis when there is a significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reason. Categorical parole refers to programs designed to consider parole for entire groups of individuals based on pre-set criteria.

“Under these categorical parole programs, individuals have been able to skip the line and bypass the proper channels established by Congress. With the termination of these programs, these individuals will no longer be permitted to wait in the United States for their family-based green card to become available, consistent with the rules that apply to the rest of the world,” said USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli. “Parole is to be used on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. USCIS is committed to exercising this limited authority in a manner that preserves the integrity of our immigration system and does not encourage aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.”

While USCIS begins the process to terminate the Haitian Family Reunification Parole and Filipino World War II Veterans Parole programs, the agency continues to review all remaining categorical parole programs. USCIS will not terminate any program until we complete required administrative changes to Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and the form is approved for public use. The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) process will provide notice to the affected individuals, explain the reasons USCIS is taking action, and provide public comment periods on the termination of these programs.

Current parolees will maintain their current period of parole until its expiration, unless it is otherwise terminated. USCIS will also process all pending cases to completion. In addition, parolees who have not adjusted status or been admitted may request parole under the non-categorical process by filing Form I-131, in accordance with the form instructions. Additional information on applying for non-categorical parole is available on the Humanitarian or Significant Public Benefit Parole for Individuals Outside the United States page.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), YouTube (/uscis), and Facebook (/uscis).

In an earlier email, we inadvertently included an extraneous subheading. The corrected message follows. We apologize for the mistake. H-2B Petitioners Must Include Temporary Labor Certification Final Determination with Form I-129 On July 3, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implemented its new Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system for the H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker program. As of July 3, employers who file an H-2B application for temporary labor certification in FLAG will only receive a temporary labor certification electronically. If your application for a temporary labor certification was processed in FLAG, you must include a printed copy of the electronic one-page “final determination” of your H-2B temporary labor certification approval when you submit your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. We will consider a printed copy of the final determination as your original and approved temporary labor certification. You must also ensure that the DOL Case Number identified on the final determination is the same as the ETA Case Number you provide in Part 5, Item 2 of your Form I-129. Minimum Investments, Targeted Employment Area Designations Among Reforms On July 3, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implemented its new Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system for the H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker program. As of July 3, employers who file an H-2B application for temporary labor certification in FLAG will only receive a temporary labor certification electronically. If your application for a temporary labor certification was processed in FLAG, you must include a printed copy of the electronic one-page “final determination” of your H-2B temporary labor certification approval when you submit your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. We will consider a printed copy of the final determination as your original and approved temporary labor certification. You must also ensure that the DOL Case Number identified on the final determination is the same as the ETA Case Number you provide in Part 5, Item 2 of your Form I-129.

Summer Film Series: Avoiding student loan debt by Megan Gordon Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Today’s Summer Film Series feature is about something many recent graduates might be trying to put out of their minds this summer: student loans. Read more > Equifax Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Your Benefits by Alvaro Puig Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Earlier this week, we told you that roughly half the people in the country can get benefits under a settlement that the FTC and others reached with Equifax. Now, you can now find out if you were affected by the September 2017 breach and make your claim for benefits. Read more > What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers by Lesley Fair Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC The next time users visit Facebook, things might not look different, but big changes are brewing behind the scenes. The FTC’s record-breaking $5 billion settlement requires Facebook to conduct a massive overhaul of its consumer privacy practices. The settlement also makes major changes to Facebook’s operations and CEO Mark Zuckerberg no longer has sole control over privacy. Read More> /./ Weekly Summary of NLRB Decisions The Summary of NLRB decisions for the week of July 22 - 26, 2019 is now available on the NLRB’s website. The summary can be accessed by clicking the links below. https://www.nlrb.gov/cases-decisions/weekly-summaries-decisions/summary-nlrb-decisions-week-july-22-26-2019 The Summary of NLRB decisions for the week of July 15 - 19, 2019 is now available on the NLRB’s website. The summary can be accessed by clicking the links below. https://www.nlrb.gov/cases-decisions/weekly-summaries-decisions/summary-nlrb-decisions-week-july-15-19-2019 Questions? Contact Us

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News: July 26, 2019

 

Acting Secretary Patrick Pizzella On July 20, Patrick Pizzella became Acting Secretary of Labor. Follow Acting Secretary Pizzella on Twitter at @PatPizzellaDOL.

 

Wage Guidance The Department issued an opinion letter addressing whether drivers must be compensatedfor time spent in a truck's sleeper berth while otherwise relieved from duty.

 

Federal Contractor Guidance A new opinion letter provides guidance on how federal contractors would formulate similarly situated employee groups, or pay analysis groups, for conducting compensation analyses.

 

Pledge to America's Workers Acting Secretary Pizzella joined President Donald J. Trump, members of the Cabinet, and senior officials at a White House event recognizing the first anniversary of the Administration's Pledge to America's Workers.

 

In Case You Missed It
Safe + Sound During Safe + Sound Week, OSHA will join U.S. businesses and organizations to recognize the importance of workplace safety and health.	Workforce Data Grants The Department has awarded $11.1 million in grants to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of state workforce data systems.	Opioid Grants A $2.5 million grant programwill help women affected by the opioid crisis to re-enter the workforce, the Department announced.
Workplace Safety OSHA cited a Georgia transit service provider for exposing employees to safety and health hazards, and proposed $188,714 in penalties.	Disability Inclusion A Department-funded online toolkit will help employers ensure disability-inclusive workplaces.	Contractor Settlement A military shipbuilder and federal contractor agreed to pay $159,050 in back wages and interest to resolve hiring discrimination allegations.

 

Stat of the Week
	New Apprentices U.S. job creators have hired more than 545,000 apprentices since the start of 2017.

 

Compliance Assistance Highlight
	Beat the Heat For outdoor workers, long hours in the heat can be dangerous. Find education and training materials, a heat safety app, and more compliance assistance materials at osha.gov/heat.

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Still interested in receiving these Global Business Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing?   We provide this information for your company to tap into business opportunitiesin the Advanced Manufacturing industry.   Please let us know you are still interested in receiving these regular updates and monthly newsletter on industry and opportunities to tap into the global Advanced Manufacturing market?  Please sign up to continue receiving. August Exporter Newsletter Additive Manufacturing Trade Mission IIFES Japan 2019 MTForecast Discover Global Markets Business Forum Manufacturing Day - October 4 Largest Europe Additive Mfg Trade Show More Trade Events... Webinars... News for Exporters.. Resources for Exporters... FEATURED EVENT: Additive Manufacturing Trade Mission  France/Germany/Poland November 17-22, 2019 The European Union (EU) is a leader in additive manufacturing (AM) and a driver of standards and innovative technologies. The Additive Manufacturing (AM) Trade Mission will give its participants a unique opportunity to gain a good understanding of the AM market in each visited country by meeting with key players in the 3D printing industry including companies, multipliers and industry clusters.  Additionally, companies will be able to attend the Formnext conference (see below), which is Europe’s largest AM event.  The Trade mission provides an opportunity to promote your goods and services, and foster critical policy and industry discussions relating to AM standards. The European AM market is experiencing 15-20% annual growth. EU firms are highly interested in American AM products. At each stop, participants will: Learn about the latest AM market developments Attend site visits (in Germany: Formnext) Have B2B meetings with potential customers Have Networking opportunities You can apply directly for the mission here. Register by August 15, 2019 to secure your spot.  For more information contact Molly.Ho@trade.gov or Amy.Freedman@trade.gov IIFES Japan   Leading Japanese Industrial IoT, Sensing and Measuring equipment show November 27-29, 2019 – Tokyo, Japan IIFES is the largest bi-annual show dedicated to Industrial IoT, sensors and measuring equipment in Tokyo.  For the first-time IIFES (previously known as Systems Control Fair) will host a U.S. Pavilion. Attendance totaled 53,243 in 2017 and the U.S.A. Pavilion space is 20’ ×10’.  In addition to a-ready-to-go booth package at a special price, participation includes: Space for up to four U.S. companies at U.S. Commercial Service hosted U.S.A. Pavilion Online company listings and USA Showcase information on the IIFES website Speaking opportunity at the show to discuss your product and its features/benefits Special mini-theater option, only available to USA Showcase exhibitor companies 20 to 30 minutes per session Up to 30 seats available Near the USA Pavilion space Speakers can present daily on each day of the show (for up to 3 individual sessions) (TBC) Trade Counseling and onsite support during the show by U.S. Commercial Service Specialist Additional USCS fee services available –matchmaking, business facilitation service, etc. CS Japan will arrange invitation letters from the U.S. Government to as many as 5 top prospects to attend the show and meet you at a time/location of your preference Deadline is August 16.  For further information, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service: Yu.Ohash@trade.gov; or: Harold.Bryaman@trade.gov. 2019 MTForecast OCTOBER 2–4, 2019 HILTON CLEVELAND - DOWNTOWN AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, an International Trade Administration Strategic Partner, is hosting MTForcecast which focuses on the manufacturing economy and the future of the manufacturing technology market. It provides attendees with industry outlooks and forecasts from respected experts, giving the audience the tools and information needed to build a better business strategy. The conference provides a roadmap to best practices in business strategy, data, and marketing for the manufacturing technology industry. Manufacturers and those associated with the industry can’t afford to miss this event. Discover Global Markets Business Forum Opportunities in the Middle East & Africa await at the Discover Global Markets Business Forum in Houston, Texas  Sept. 30 - Oct. 2   SAVE $150 - DISCOUNT REGISTRATION EXPIRES AUGUST 2 Sub-Saharan Africa encompasses more than 40 nations and over one billion people, presenting unparalleled opportunity for U.S. firms as the region channels its economic growth into improved physical and energy infrastructure and greater individual prosperity for all, learn about the opportunities at  Discover Global Markets "Powering & Building The Middle East & Africa. One-on-one meetings with U.S. Commercial Diplomats from these countries: Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates and the West Bank International Buyers are Available to Meet U.S. Suppliers Egypt: A construction and contracting firm seeking construction materials and oil & gas products for reconstruction programs in conflict zones. Ghana: A survey and engineering firm seeking engineering equipment for aerial, 3D laser scanning and offshore surveys. West Bank:  Contractors and suppliers seeking PV panels and solar power products More to be confirmed soon. Connect with U.S. Primes Bechtel Corp.,an engineering, procurement, construction, and project management company MODEC Inc., supplier and operator of offshore floating platforms used in the oil & gas industry JACOBS, a design, engineering, construction and technical services firm More to be confirmed soon. Manufacturing Day - October 4 Celebrated at various events around the country Manufacturing Day is held annually on the first Friday in October,  MFG Day is an opportunity to inspire and recruit the next generation of manufacturers. see events listed here, or register to host your own.   Created by Founding Partner Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, and now working with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Largest Europe Additive Mfg Trade Show November 19-22, 2019 - Frankfurt, Germany The United States is honored as Partner Country at this year’s Formnext.  For the first-time it will also host a U.S. Pavilion which is limited to 10 U.S. companies.  In addition to a-ready-to-go booth package at a special price, participation in the U.S. Pavilion includes: Stand construction incl. graphics, 8 sqms. Speaking slot on Wednesday “USA Day” Event at the pavilion Common area for conversations with customers Drinks and coffee to host customers U.S. Commercial Service pre-show promotional support as well as Counseling and Assistance on the Show Floor by the U.S. Commercial Service Full media package by show organizer, incl. press and visitor marketing. Formnext is the largest annual dedicated Additive Manufacturing/3D printing show in Europe, covering aerospace, automation, construction, consumer goods, dental, electronics, engineering, jewelry, manufacturing solutions, materials, and components, medical, packaging R&D, and so much more. For further information, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service: Kirsten.Hentschel@trade.gov; phone:  +49-211-737-767-30 or, in Florida: Miguel.Olivarez@trade.gov, phone:  954-356-6649. More Trade Events... STOPfakes.gov Roadshow - Nationwide, Ongoing - 2019 Schedule ITA's Intellectual Property Rights "Snapshots" provide contact information for foreign entities responsible for various aspects of IP, a list of IP treaties to which the country is a party, whether a country is placed on the Special 301 list, and much more. Learn more here. Report IP Theft via the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center Webinars... U.S.-Brazil Trade Facilitation Webinar Series ($35 each) Aug. 27, Understand the Brazilian Foreign Trade System, Customs Processes, and Import Duties and Taxes. Sept 24, The Tax System and Customs Disputes in Brazil Oct. 29, Licenses, Certifications and Labeling in Brazil Export Mechanics Webinar Series II – in collaboration with The NCBFAA Educational Institute (NCBFAA) (Cost: $25 each) August 13, Best Practices for Export Compliance/Drafting a Compliance Policy,  Sept. 17, Dealing with Suppliers, Partners & Buyers,  Oct. 8, Advanced Letters of Credit,  Nov. 12, Duty Drawback and Refunds,  Dec. 10, ECCN Classification Numbers,  Jan. 14, Commodity Jurisdiction,  Feb. 18, Drop Shipments & Routed Transactions,  Mar. 10, Cultural Sensitivity Program,  Apr. 14, ACE Export Reports for Compliance,  News for Exporters.. Manage Exporting Challenges with New Videos:    There's a new section in our Exporting Basics video series, titled "Managing Challenges." With 3 NEW videos, you'll learn how to minimize problems and maximize success. Watch a video today!   Resources for Exporters... Visit the  Export.Gov Advanced Manufacturing page  USAID Resources and Opportunities for U.S. Exporters, available from your local Trade Specialist, or email to request a copy. Check for latest updates on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Fact Sheets Top Markets Reports for 27 industries from the International Trade Administration  Country Commercial Guides cover 125 international markets by the U.S. Commercial Service Export Market Destinations video series from the U.S. Commercial Service Basics of Exporting video series from the U.S. Commercial Service Trade Finance Guide from the U.S. Department of Commerce Report a Trade Barrier: File a complaint about a trade barrier or unfair business practice with the U.S. Department of Commerce Report IP Theft via the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center

Ready to begin or expand exporting? View our free video series or contact your nearest U.S. Commercial Service office.  Export.gov is the U.S. Government's export portal. Questions? Contact Us