Department of Homeland Security vacates extension of TPS for qualifying Venezuelans
The Department of Homeland Security has vacated the extension of Temporary Protected Status for qualifying individuals from Venezuela, which had been issued by the Biden administration Jan. 17. The Feb. 5 Federal Register notice vacating the previous extension states the designation is no longer in the U.S. public interest and no longer justified by conditions in Venezuela. Given this action, holders of TPS under a previous determination made in 2021 will have their status expire Sept. 10, whereas holders under a separate previous determination made in 2023 will have their status expire April 7.
It is possible the Feb. 5 decision will face a legal challenge in court, but the prospect of success in any such challenge is highly uncertain. Individuals with TPS affected by this decision will no longer be authorized to remain in the U.S. beyond the dates previously noted unless they can obtain alternative legal status or unless Congress would take legislative action regarding the matter. View more information.
Tariffs on Mexico and Canada paused for 30 days while tariffs on Chinese goods remain
There has been a flurry of activity during the past few days regarding tariffs. On Feb. 1, President Trump signed Executive Orders adding 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada (with Canadian energy resources lower at 10%) and 10% tariffs on products from China to force cooperation regarding issues of border security and illicit drugs. These orders also removed the de minimis exemption that allowed shipments of $800 or less to enter the U.S. tax-free. The changes were set to take effect Feb. 4; however, on Feb. 3, Trump announced a one-month pause on the anticipated tariffs toward Mexico and Canada. We are closely monitoring these developments and have been in touch with lawmakers regarding how this will affect our members, so stay tuned.
Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2025 is open!
Join us for Roofing Day in D.C., the largest advocacy event dedicated solely to the roofing industry, April 8-9. Each year, roofing professionals meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss the critical issues facing their companies and the roofing industry. To view our draft itinerary, book your hotel room and register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofingday. Questions? Contact Deb Mazol at Dmazol@nrca.net.
Register now for ROOFPAC events at NRCA’s annual convention and the 2025 IRE
NRCA and National Women in Roofing will present “An Evening of Boots, Bids & Buckles” Feb. 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to support ROOFPAC! This cocktail reception and live auction will be held at Smoke Skybar; register now to join your friends for this fun-filled event—in your Western wear! NRCA’s silent auction begins Feb. 11 and will close Feb. 20 with complimentary drinks from 2-4 p.m. in NRCA’s booth, No. 9077, during IRE. Items include high-end electronics and trips such as a Champagne experience for two with a stay at a historic castle, full-day wine tour and visit to the Abbey of Dom Perignon, donated by Kelly Braddy Van Winkle and Nelson Braddy of King of Texas Roofing Co. Bids will be placed electronically at https://roofpac25.givesmart.com; attendance at the convention and trade show is not required. NRCA is grateful for many generous sponsors who help underwrite the costs of these events so all proceeds can directly benefit ROOFPAC.
President Trump fires National Labor Relations Board officials
President Trump has terminated Jennifer Abruzzo, the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, as well as Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the board. While the termination of Abruzzo was widely expected given incoming presidents have terminated general counsels in the past, the firing of a board member is unprecedented. Given that the board is an independent agency, it is unclear whether the president has the authority to terminate board members, and Wilcox’s dismissal is likely to be challenged in court. The dismissal of Wilcox leaves the board in legal limbo for the near future because currently only two of the five board seats are filled, and it is necessary to have three board members for a quorum. President Trump is expected to nominate individuals for the open board seats at some point, but confirmation by the Senate will take time.
