DHS Notice on Employment Authorization for Yemeni F-1 Students

DHS notice suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Yemen (regardless of country of birth) and who are experiencing severe economic hardship. (86 FR 36288, 7/9/21)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. ICEB–2021–0007]

RIN 1653–ZA19

Employment Authorization for Yemeni F–1 Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Yemen

AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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 Yemen (regardless of country of birth) and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Yemen.

The Secretary is taking action to provide relief to Yemeni citizens 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 F–1 nonimmigrant student status. DHS will deem an F–1 nonimmigrant student who receives 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 notice will be effective on September 4, 2021 and will remain in effect through March 3, 2023.