Worldwide: Human Rights

What hidden pitfalls can delay, deny, or even undo a naturalization application? Immigration attorneys explore the criminal history issues, moral character requirements, and documentation strategies that can make or break a US citizenship case, along with the waivers and exemptions available for applicants who don't fit the standard mold.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has voted to approve a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would fundamentally restructure the Section 106 Tribal consultation process under the National Historic Preservation Act. The proposed revisions would replace the existing step-by-step consultation framework with an agency-prepared report system, narrow key definitions affecting historic property eligibility, and shift significant control over timelines and outcomes to federal agencies.

President Trump's administration has shifted from emergency tariffs to Section 301 tariffs targeting forced labor practices, imposing 10-12.5% duties on imports from over 60 trading partners. This comprehensive analysis examines the legal framework, country-specific rates, product exemptions, and the strategic pivot from constitutionally challenged emergency measures to established trade policy enforcement mechanisms.

The U.S. Supreme Court has reaffirmed birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, striking down Executive Order 14160 that attempted to restrict automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. This landmark decision reinforces constitutional protections and clarifies the limits of executive authority in immigration matters, with far-reaching implications for immigrant families and the separation of powers.

Healthcare providers receiving federal assistance must ensure their medical diagnostic equipment meets new accessibility standards by July 8, 2026, under updated HHS regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The requirements mandate that at least 10-20% of equipment like examination tables, weight scales, and imaging devices accommodate patients with mobility disabilities, with noncompliance risking federal funding loss and potential litigation.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued guidance warning colleges and universities about potential Fair Housing Act violations related to student housing practices. What constitutes unlawful segregation or discrimination in campus residential programs, and how might seemingly inclusive identity-focused housing initiatives face heightened federal scrutiny?

Bella Savitzky Abzug broke barriers as the first Jewish woman elected to Congress, using her legal expertise to champion civil rights, women's equality, and democratic reform. From defending accused individuals during the McCarthy era to presiding over the first National Women's Conference, her fearless advocacy transformed American law and public policy. How did this Bronx-born daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants become one of the most influential voices for justice in 20th-century America?

US sanctions targeting Hizballah and its Lebanese allies mark an unprecedented escalation, including designations of mid-level military officers as Washington pushes for disarmament.

The Sanctions Update is compiled by Steptoe’s International Trade and Regulatory Compliance team and Steptoe’s Strategic Risk team.