Citizenship
Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in Senate (Part 1 of 3)
On April 17, 2013, Senators introduced a long-awaited and sweeping immigration overhaul bill, known as the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013” that addresses backlogs in legal immigration, undocumented immigrants, and border security. This 844-page bill is the result of weeks of negotiations amongst the Senate’s “Gang of Eight” – four…
Read MoreCustomer Identify Verification (CIV) to begin at USCIS
On May 6, 2013, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement Customer Identify Verification (CIV) in its field offices. Under this new procedure, individuals appearing at the USCIS field office for an interview or to be issued evidence of immigration benefit such as temporary travel documents, parole authorizations, temporary extensions of Form I-90, and…
Read MoreDriver’s License, SSA, and other Issues for Noncitizens and Naturalized Citizens
SAVE (Systems Alien Verification for Entitlements) is an inter-governmental information services program which verifies the immigration status of a noncitizen or a naturalized citizen, helping to ensure that only entitled applicants receive federal, state, or local benefits, such as a driver’s license, Social Security Number, housing assistance, Medicaid, or other public benefits. Any participating benefit…
Read MoreUS and Canada begins Phase 1 pilot of Beyond the Border Action Plan
On September 30, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security and the Canada Border Services Agency began the Phase 1 pilot of the Entry/Exit program under the Beyond the Border Action Plan. This new system will help the United States and Canada keep track of the departure of individuals subject to removal orders; identify individuals who…
Read MoreAccommodating Religious Beliefs during Photograph and Fingerprint Capture
On July 23, 2012, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (US CIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM) setting forth policy for capture of photographs or fingerprints by its employees and contractors during the course of their duties. The PM explained the types of accommodations to be offered and to whom the accommodations should be offered. The…
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