The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that, regardless of age, all applicants who file for reentry permit or refugee travel document (Form I-131) are being issued biometric appointment notices. The purpose of these biometric appointments is...
The USCIS issued a policy memorandum on July 23, 2012 detailing current policies regarding available accommodations for religious beliefs as it relates to immigration photographs and fingerprinting requirements. The memo makes it clear that, while some accommodations are available, the USCIS will not waive photograph...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the expansion of the Global Entry Program (GEP). This program facilitates entry to the United States for qualified, trusted travelers. Background on Global Entry Program Details regarding the permanent creation of the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an update on October 19, 2011 regarding the processing of forms for naturalization to U.S. citizenship and proof of U.S. citizenship. The new filing instructions direct the applicants to file all USCIS N forms at a centralized...
Apparently, many people still use the term INS (for Immigration and Naturalization Service) when referring to the governmental entity responsible for immigration enforcement and benefits. As many of our readers are aware, the INS ceased to exist on March 1, 2003. The term is simply...
USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced on March 21, 2011 the launch of the E-Verify Self Check program. This is an initiative that allows individuals in the United States to check their employment eligibility information without charge. Purpose: Correct Inaccuracies in Advance The self check allows individuals to...
Many foreign nationals are voicing concerns about potential changes pertaining to the acquisition of U.S. citizenship by children born in the United States. These concerns arise from a January 5, 2011 press conference wherein a group of state legislators, including legislators from Arizona, Georgia, South...
In order for a foreign national to naturalize to U.S. citizenship, it is necessary to pass a test on U.S. government and history. Most of the information on the test does not change over time. However, several of the possible questions on the test ask...
International travel is quite common in December and January each year. Many foreign nationals see the holiday season as a good time to visit family abroad. Some of the important matters that must be considered with regard to international travel are outlined here for the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in late October 2010 that it has started using a redesigned naturalization certificate. This is part of ongoing efforts to enhance document security. Thus, the new version of the certificate of naturalization (Form N-550) contains a number...
