The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new policies designed to streamline family reunification processes and improve access to immigration services.
These modifications primarily affect American citizens who were previously protected under section 8 USC 1367 of the immigration laws.
This update seeks to eliminate barriers and optimize the exchange of information between naturalized citizens and federal agencies. Thus facilitating humanitarian sponsorship and family reunification procedures.
Main benefits of the update
- Improved Access to Services: With the end of confidentiality protections after naturalization, American citizens will be able to fully utilize electronic filing tools and other customer support services.
- Application for Naturalization Certificates: Citizens will now be able to apply for a replacement naturalization certificate if they have lost it. A task that was previously complicated due to confidentiality restrictions.
- Financial Support for Applicants: Citizens will be able to ask or answer questions about their intention to be financial support for applicants for temporary stay permits. Thus facilitating family reunification processes.
Update Details
The update specifically targets citizens who benefited from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and those with T or U visas, which are intended for victims of serious crimes such as human trafficking and physical or mental abuse. . USCIS has provided new guidance detailing the benefits available to these citizens.
Reasons Behind the Change
Confidentiality protections were created to protect non-citizen victims from abuse by citizens or permanent residents. However, once these victims become citizens, their abusers can no longer use the immigration system to control them. Maintaining these protections after naturalization created unnecessary delays in processing cases. The new guidance from USCIS, which will take effect on July 12, 2024, seeks to eliminate these obstacles and facilitate a more efficient and beneficial immigration process for families.
For more details on this update, please see the official document on the USCIS website: USCIS Update Policy.
