Department of Homeland Security (DHS) News

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DHS Expands Biometrics, Enforcement Powers: Impacts on Citizens, Businesses, and Migrants Nov 10, 2025

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The biggest DHS headline this week: the Department of Homeland Security just unveiled a sweeping new rule to expand biometrics collection for anyone involved in immigration benefit requests—not just non-citizens, but U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents too, and regardless of age. Unlike current practice, where fingerprints and photos are collected, DHS now aims to require a range of biometrics, even DNA, and wants ongoing, periodic submissions from foreign nationals until citizenship is achieved. The department says this move enhances identity verification and national security, but privacy advocates are raising tough questions about data security and surveillance, especially given the inclusion of minors and U.S. citizens. DHS also wants to tighten what counts as a valid reason for rescheduling a biometrics appointment, shifting from “good cause” to only “extraordinary circumstances” and withdrawing the presumption of good moral character for applicants under 14, a standard that's been in place for decades. Alongside this, DHS has officially expanded immigration enforcement powers for its USCIS branch. For the first time, USCIS officers now serve as sworn law-enforcement agents—authorized to investigate criminal violations, make arrests, carry firearms, and execute search and arrest warrants. Acting DHS Secretary Kenneth Cuccinelli called this “a historic step to unify benefit adjudication and fraud prevention under a single roof,” claiming it will streamline investigations and ramp up efforts against immigration-related crimes. Meanwhile, ICE is planning a 24/7 call center in Nashville to help law enforcement track unaccompanied migrant children for removal. Immigration advocates call this move dangerous, warning it may subject minors to insufficient legal protections and rapid deportations. At the state level, Texas is increasing its participation in the federal 287(g) program, deputizing state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws. This expansion prompted concerns from civil rights groups about racial profiling and community trust in law enforcement. For businesses—especially those who rely on foreign talent—expect heavier scrutiny in visa applications and compliance checks, particularly with concurrent Department of Labor initiatives targeting H-1B visa compliance. Universities are being urged by legal experts to audit their sponsorship practices, as Project Firewall ramps up oversight of academic H-1B hires. These changes affect millions: American citizens may face longer application times and more data-sharing, while mixed-status families could see heightened vetting. Employers risk higher administrative costs and stiffer penalties for non-compliance. For state and local governments, new responsibilities and potential legal battles loom, particularly in states like Texas that challenge federal immigration decisions. Internationally, stricter visa policies and expanded revocations could strain relations, as shown by the This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Expanded Immigration Powers for USCIS: Impacts on Businesses and Sanctuary Cities Nov 07, 2025

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Thanks for joining us. Our top story from the Department of Homeland Security this week is a sweeping expansion of immigration enforcement powers under a final rule that now allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, and even carry firearms—roles traditionally reserved for other agencies like ICE. This marks the biggest shift in USCIS’s responsibilities in decades, and, according to the department, is part of an “ongoing effort to strengthen immigration law enforcement and deter fraud.” USCIS Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou described the move as “a pivotal step in ensuring the integrity of our immigration system and protecting national security.” In practical terms, this means new teams of special agents are coming to USCIS. They’ll be empowered not just to investigate civil violations, but also arrest individuals suspected of felonies or facilitating unlawful entry into the U.S. For American citizens and businesses, this has immediate impacts. Employers sponsoring new hires or foreign talent on work visas, such as the H-1B, now face heightened compliance scrutiny. This follows on the heels of Project Firewall from the Department of Labor, which cracks down on potential wage violations and fraud. Universities, tech firms, and multinational companies alike will need to review their practices, since failure to comply could bring surprise audits or even criminal prosecutions. Local governments and sanctuary jurisdictions are also in the spotlight. A coordinated federal strategy announced this fall requires DHS and the Department of Justice to publish a list of cities and states that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Those named face possible loss of federal funding and even legal action unless they align their policies. From a regulatory perspective, the week has seen more headlines: On November 3rd, DHS proposed requiring biometrics—think fingerprints and photos—from nearly anyone involved in immigration benefits, expanding both the data collected and who must participate. And starting October 30, automatic extensions for work authorization are gone; renewal applicants will now have to plan ahead to prevent employment gaps, a development that impacts both immigrants and their employers. Internationally, these changes signal a tougher U.S. stance at the border, with DHS collaborating with partners in Mexico and Central America to address unlawful crossings. The Secretary of Homeland Security said this is “part of our broader effort to ensure border security and restore lawful immigration processes.” Looking ahead, key deadlines include the implementation of USCIS’s new law enforcement authorities, with October 6 as the first major milestone. DHS is also actively seeking public comment on biometric rule proposals—the portal for feedback is open until December. For listeners wanting to weigh in or learn more, DHS invites public input via regulations.gov. You can This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

DHS Expands USCIS Enforcement Powers and Targets Sanctuary Jurisdictions Nov 03, 2025

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This week, the Department of Homeland Security made headlines by publishing a major final rule that significantly expands the enforcement powers of USCIS. For the first time, USCIS will have its own law enforcement team of special agents authorized to investigate immigration-related crimes, execute search and arrest warrants, and even conduct vehicular pursuits if necessary. Historically, these law enforcement activities were the sole responsibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but under the new rule, USCIS will have the authority to order expedited removals, issue detainers and warrants, and carry firearms while enforcing both civil and criminal violations of immigration law. According to a September 4 news release from USCIS, this shift aims to let the agency take investigations "from start to finish," particularly in fraud, national security, and public safety cases connected to immigration benefits. The timing here is important—the rule and its expanded authorities become effective on October 6, giving USCIS only a month to ramp up new operational capabilities. In parallel, the administration continues to target so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions" through recent executive orders and a coordinated federal strategy. Within 30 days of the latest order, the Attorney General and DHS will publish a list of states and localities seen as obstructing federal immigration law enforcement. These jurisdictions risk losing federal funding and face potential legal action unless they comply. For American citizens, these changes promise heightened immigration enforcement, with increased emphasis on public safety and fraud prevention. Communities may see more frequent neighborhood checks for naturalization applicants, practices last used more than three decades ago. For businesses, particularly those hiring foreign talent, there’s a heightened risk of scrutiny and enforcement, as the Department of Labor has launched "Project Firewall," a new H-1B compliance initiative coordinating investigations with DHS, DOJ, and the EEOC. The Secretary of Labor will now directly certify investigations—raising the stakes for employers to double-check compliance and wage practices. State and local governments face greater pressure: sanctuary jurisdictions may lose grants and contracts if they resist federal immigration enforcement. Internationally, restrictions such as the June presidential proclamation temporarily blocking foreign students at Harvard create ripples in academic and research collaborations—though this measure is still under temporary restraining order. DHS isn’t working alone—multiagency initiatives targeting scams and fraud are underway, involving the Department of Justice and state partners. The agency urges citizens who witness unauthorized immigration services or scams to report them through the DHS tip portal. Subject matter experts caution that while these expanded authorities could improve responsiveness and criminal enforcement, they also This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Ending Automatic Work Permit Extensions, Overhauling H-1B Visas: DHS Policy Updates Oct 31, 2025

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The Department of Homeland Security’s top story this week is the termination of automatic extensions for employment authorization documents, or EADs, for most noncitizens, effective October 30, 2025. That means anyone renewing their work permit after this date will no longer receive an automatic extension while their application is processed. Exceptions remain for certain Temporary Protected Status holders, but for everyone else, renewed vetting and screening will be required before approval. DHS officials explain this policy shifts the system back toward stricter review standards, reinforcing that work authorization in the U.S. is seen as a privilege, not a right. The immediate impacts for American businesses are far-reaching. Employers must brace for possible hiring delays and workforce disruptions as employees may lose work eligibility during routine renewals. Immigration attorneys are urging companies and individuals to file renewal applications as early as possible—ideally 180 days before the EAD expiration—to avoid lapses. State and local governments, especially those with diverse and international workforces, will need to adapt quickly, offering guidance to affected residents. For those currently holding an EAD, if you filed your renewal application before October 30, your automatic extension still stands. For new filings, it’s critical to check eligibility, gather documents swiftly, and follow any updated guidance from USCIS. According to immigration experts at Seyfarth Shaw, the new vetting process increases the risk that some applicants could face delays, meaning more careful planning and communication with employers is essential. Alongside EAD changes, DHS is driving major regulatory reforms. A proposed rule published this week seeks to overhaul the H-1B specialty worker visa lottery. Instead of the current random process, applications will soon be weighted by wage level, favoring advanced, high-paid roles over entry-level jobs. This could reshape hiring strategies for tech and engineering firms and impact new graduates seeking work visas. DHS is soliciting public comment until October 24, and listeners are encouraged to share their perspectives directly through the Federal Register. Organizationally, DHS continues to increase collaboration with the Department of Labor, launching new compliance initiatives for H-1B employers, such as Project Firewall, which gives the Secretary of Labor direct authority over certain investigations. The agency has also empowered USCIS to hire its own special agents, streamlining investigations tied to benefits adjudications and fraud, resulting in faster and more targeted enforcement. On the international front, recent executive orders are reshaping global mobility, with heightened screening, travel bans on specific countries, and a call for stricter oversight of foreign nationals already in the U.S. These efforts, according to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, are “fundamental measures to protect n This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

DHS Policy Overhaul: Immigration Enforcement Expands, Visas & Benefits Face Tighter Scrutiny Oct 27, 2025

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This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Homeland Security is the sweeping policy changes in immigration enforcement and oversight, which are already impacting workplaces, universities, and state governments across the country. The DHS Spring 2025 Regulatory Agenda has brought some major developments, starting with Executive Order 14159, which now permits immigration enforcement at all workplace locations—meaning ICE and other enforcement teams have expanded powers and can conduct actions in places previously considered off-limits. Additionally, a new screening procedure is live for immigration benefit applications, including reviews of social media for certain categories, making the process more intensive and extending timelines. Employers and applicants need to prepare more documentation in advance, according to GT Law. In a move that’s already stirring debate, the administration reinstated alien registration requirements for foreign nationals, as mandated back in the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 262. This has direct implications for colleges, research institutions, and multinational corporations with global staff. On the financial front, newly implemented fee structures include an asylum application fee that took effect on July 22, changing the calculus for those seeking safety in the U.S. Meanwhile, on April 28, President Trump signed Executive Order 14287 to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions—those states and localities seen as resisting federal immigration laws. The order requires DHS and the Attorney General to publish and update a list of these jurisdictions, with the possibility of cutting federal funding for those that do not comply. There are also new measures to verify eligibility for public benefits, and to ensure American citizens receive priority access. For American businesses, there are major updates to the H-1B and H-2 worker programs. Since January, the government has shifted to a beneficiary-centric selection process, reducing loopholes and gaming of the lottery system, and streamlining extensions when workers’ circumstances remain unchanged. On September 19, the Department of Labor announced Project Firewall, launching direct investigations and civil actions against employers who violate H-1B rules. The Secretary of Labor will now certify investigations personally, signaling zero tolerance for noncompliance. Proposed changes are also pending for international students—DHS wants to replace the traditional “duration of status” system on F and J visas with fixed periods of stay. If adopted, students and exchange visitors will need to monitor their status and timelines much more closely. While this rule is still in public comment, students should stay alert for legal updates and guidance from their universities. There’s also a new enforcement wave at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Starting October 6, USCIS will deploy its own special agents authorized to investigate, arrest, and This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

DHS Overhauls Immigration Policies: Rising Fees, Heightened Enforcement Oct 24, 2025

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Welcome to your DHS update, bringing you the top headline shaping policy and lives across America this week: The Department of Homeland Security just rolled out a major immigration parole fee adjustment and regulatory expansion, tightening both the budget and bureaucracy behind U.S. immigration enforcement. As reported in the latest Federal Register, starting October, new fee structures apply to a range of immigration services, impacting families, employers, and legal counsel planning cases all over the country. The big picture: The new rules come alongside a sweeping recalibration of immigration enforcement powers. The Spring Unified Regulatory Agenda now enables enforcement actions in all workplace locations—no longer restricting raids or subpoenas to certain sites. Additionally, applicants for immigration benefits now face expanded social media screenings, and foreign national registration rules have been reimposed with greater emphasis. For U.S. employers, especially in high-tech and research fields, H-1B visa processing has changed dramatically. Earlier this year, DHS introduced a beneficiary-centric lottery, aiming to stop gaming of the cap system by favoring individuals rather than multiple corporate entries. Streamlined approvals for some extension and amendment cases were also launched to reduce legal and HR headaches in the corporate sector. Leadership at DHS is experiencing enormous pressures from the White House and Congress. After a massive funding increase from the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE is in the midst of hiring roughly 10,000 new officers, according to a Senate Judiciary letter. This unprecedented expansion is intended to support new deportation and arrest targets set by the Trump administration—one million deportations a year and 3,000 arrests a day. However, officials including Senator Durbin warn these surges have led to concerning lapses in oversight and a rollback of accountability offices, with some state sheriffs reporting tense interactions over officer recruitment and training standards. Businesses and local governments should note that new executive orders—as outlined by NAFSA—are cracking down on so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. Federal funds could be suspended for states and cities deemed uncooperative in federal immigration enforcement, a move that could affect budgets and law enforcement relationships at the local level. On the regulatory front, the Department of Labor just kicked off Project Firewall, a tough new H-1B enforcement initiative. Employers found in violation could face back-wage payments, severe fines, or even blacklisting from future hiring. In parallel, for the first time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will deploy its own special agents, armed and authorized to make immigration-related arrests—heightening scrutiny for employers, universities, and applicants alike. For Americans, these changes may mean more visible enforcement in neighborhoods and workplaces This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

DHS Unveils Aggressive Cyber Defense Policy, Boosts Border Security and Disaster Preparedness Oct 20, 2025

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Welcome to your DHS Weekly Update. The big story out of the Department of Homeland Security this week was the Secretary’s announcement of a sweeping new approach to combating domestic and international cyber threats. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed reporters Monday, laying out the nation’s most aggressive cyber defense policy overhaul in a decade. He said, “America’s digital infrastructure is a critical target, and we must move faster to protect it.” The new policy will roll out in three phases through early next year and includes stepped-up public-private cyber task forces, faster threat-sharing with the tech sector, and mandatory breach notifications for critical industries. According to DHS, ransomware attacks are up 69 percent since last year, with health care and energy among the hardest-hit sectors. Another headline: DHS has begun implementing border management changes following new bipartisan legislation passed last week in Congress. The department is deploying more technology along the southern border to screen for fentanyl and expanding partnerships with Mexican law enforcement. Officials expect faster processing for legitimate asylum seekers while ramping up enforcement against trafficking networks. There’s movement on disaster preparedness, as FEMA—under DHS—announced $3 billion in new resilience grants for vulnerable coastal states. States like Florida and Louisiana will receive additional funding to reinforce levees and upgrade emergency communications before the next hurricane season. FEMA head Deanne Criswell emphasized, “We’re equipping states and communities with the tools they need ahead of disasters, not just after.” For businesses, the new cyber rules mean increased compliance requirements but also improved coordination during attacks. State and local governments get more funding and resources for both natural disaster readiness and cyber resilience, but also face tighter reporting deadlines. Internationally, the U.S. is promising closer information sharing with allies in Europe and Asia amid growing concern over nation-state cyber intrusions. Citizens should expect to see new public safety alerts in coming weeks, especially as cyber threat sharing expands to schools and local governments. DHS has set up a public portal for reporting suspicious cyber activity and invites anyone who spots anomalies to report them. Looking ahead, listeners can watch for DHS to hold its first National Cyber Response Summit next month, bringing together tech leaders, law enforcement, and state officials. For more details and to offer feedback on policy proposals, visit dhs.gov or your local emergency management office. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Enforcement Overhaul: USCIS Expands Powers, Visa Programs Face Sweeping Changes Oct 17, 2025

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This week, the Department of Homeland Security is making major headlines with a powerful shift in its role: for the first time, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, will now have expanded law enforcement powers. Announced in a DHS final rule, as reported by Duane Morris and NAFSA, effective October 6, 2025, specially-appointed USCIS agents will be able to investigate immigration-related crimes, make arrests, and even execute search warrants—activities that used to belong almost exclusively to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “This is about better protecting the integrity of our immigration system and the security of our communities.” This development is designed to crack down on immigration benefit fraud, unauthorized services, and public safety threats, marking a fundamental transformation for USCIS from a benefits-only agency to one deeply involved in enforcement. Alongside this, DHS released its 2025 Unified Agenda, outlining sweeping changes to both H-1B and employment-based visa programs. Expect to see new eligibility criteria for H-1B cap exemptions, tighter scrutiny on employer compliance, and revised evidentiary standards for green card applicants with extraordinary ability or those applying via national interest waivers. A particularly impactful timeline includes a proposed H-1B reform expected in December, and immigrant worker reform in early 2026. On the employer side, the Department of Labor just launched “Project Firewall,” an enforcement drive targeting H-1B compliance. For the first time, the Secretary of Labor will personally certify certain fraud investigations, with penalties ranging from back-wage recovery to civil fines and possible barring of violators. Businesses employing foreign talent, especially universities and tech firms, should brace for greater oversight and are being urged to conduct compliance reviews immediately. What does all this mean? For American citizens, the government aims for greater security and system integrity. For businesses and organizations, increased enforcement could slow hiring processes and heighten risk for non-compliance. State and local governments may see new partnerships or resource demands as federal enforcement expands on-the-ground investigations. Internationally, these U.S. policy signals may influence labor migration trends and could draw responses from countries supplying high-skilled talent. USCIS assures that operational changes will be gradual with further guidance to stakeholders before key rules take effect. Interested listeners, especially employers and immigration advocates, are encouraged to review the DHS regulatory agenda and submit public comments on proposed rules—a key window for input opens in December. Stay tuned for updates as DHS holds stakeholder briefings in November, and as new rules move forward. For more information, check the DHS website and subscribe to updates about immigration policy. And i This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

"DHS Reshapes High-Skilled Visas, Pauses Refugee Green Cards, and Boosts Screening Processes" Oct 13, 2025

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This week, the biggest headline from the Department of Homeland Security is a major shake-up in how the U.S. handles high-skilled work visas. Starting now, DHS is putting forward a proposed rule to change the H-1B visa lottery from a random system to a wage-based selection process. According to details released by DHS, future H-1B registrations will be weighted depending on Department of Labor wage levels—giving higher odds to more highly paid, experienced roles while reducing chances for entry-level positions. For example, an application at the highest wage level might get four entries in the lottery pool, compared to just one for entry-level jobs. This could dramatically reshape the hiring landscape, especially for international graduates and tech companies, and the rule is now open for public comment. In related developments, DHS has implemented a number of immediate policy changes this year. Through Executive Order 14159, the administration revoked previous limits on where immigration enforcement actions can take place—meaning enforcement at all workplace locations is now possible. New screening measures for immigration applications, including expanded social media checks, have also been enacted, which could mean longer wait times and stricter documentation requirements. There’s also a significant update for refugees and asylees: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily halted processing green card applications for these groups, as directed by the administration under Executive Order 14161. The stated aim is to “better identify fraud, public safety, or national security concerns,” with officials placing a pause on certain applications for extra screening. This has left thousands of refugees and asylees—who have already passed rigorous overseas vetting—in a state of uncertainty, potentially affecting their employment and day-to-day stability. With USCIS funded largely by application fees, there are worries this might lead to financial shortfalls and staffing cuts. For employers, other changes to work visa programs are now in effect. This year, H-1B and H-2 programs shifted to “beneficiary-centric” selection, reducing the ability to game the lottery by filing multiple registrations for the same person. New requirements are also in place for H-1B and H-2B petitions, including stricter compliance reviews and expanded site visits for third-party job placements. All petitions now require the updated Form I-129, with no grace period for older forms. On the budget front, recent reconciliation legislation has brought fee increases for certain petitions, including a new asylum application fee effective since July, which directly affects both applicants and organizations assisting immigrants. According to a USCIS spokesperson, “To better identify fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screeni This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Title: DHS Terminates CHNV Parole, Halts Green Cards, and Proposes H-1B Visa Changes Oct 10, 2025

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Listeners, the most significant headline this week from the Department of Homeland Security is the termination of the humanitarian parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, known as the CHNV initiative. This major policy shift, announced March 21, affects over 532,000 individuals who entered the U.S. under this Biden-era program. The program will end officially on April 24, and the DHS is urging all affected migrants to depart the U.S. in the next 30 days unless they apply for asylum or other protections. Migrants are being directed to use the CBP Home smartphone app to register for self-deportation, and officials confirm that parole will be prematurely terminated for those still covered after April 24. DHS says some individuals may be allowed to stay on a “case-by-case basis”—a concerning and uncertain outcome for many families. In addition, the Trump administration has ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to halt processing green card applications for certain approved refugees and asylees. This aligns with Executive Order 14161, aimed at stepping up screening for national security threats. A USCIS spokesperson explained, “To better identify fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting.” For vulnerable populations fleeing persecution, this legal limbo raises significant humanitarian and economic questions, as most have already waited a year or more to apply for lawful permanent residency. On the employment front, DHS has published its Spring 2025 Unified Regulatory Agenda, detailing big changes to temporary worker programs like H-1B and H-2 visas. Since January 17, the H-1B lottery moved to a beneficiary-centric system to reduce gaming, focusing on individual applicants rather than allowing multiple registrations. Final rules increased scrutiny on employers, enacted new compliance and documentation requirements, and brought in streamlined approval for certain petition extensions and amendments. Fees for asylum applications changed as of July 22, so employers and applicants will need to budget for higher costs. For students and recent grads, upcoming rules propose shifting the H-1B selection process to favor positions with higher prevailing wage levels—meaning entry-level workers may see their chances drop for selection in the upcoming years. From a business and local government perspective, these regulatory and enforcement changes mean organizations must immediately adapt compliance plans, HR workflows, and budgeting to meet new standards. Leaders in education, nonprofits, and staffing firms—historically beneficiaries of cap exemptions—should prepare for more rigorous documentation requirements and oversight, especially as site visits and monitoring increase. For international relations, the end of the CHNV parole signals a strong pivot in U.S. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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