USCIS

Decrypt the US Citizenship and Immigration Services functions
By Jeffrey Lindblom, Computer Consultant Econ Global Services After 2001, the US Congress separated the border protection and immigration functions of the US government and put them into the Department of Homeland Security, giving the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authority over immigration. This is where all those who want to visit the US, whether as student, tourist, worker or permanent resident, can get the necessary information and begin the process.

The USCIS home webpage is an excellent portal to information and includes:

1. Discussions on the regulations and interpretations controlling immigration, current laws and policies and the work of the immigration-related bureaus of the Department of Homeland Security.

2. Education resources for immigrants when they first become permanent residents and when they are ready to begin the formal naturalization process.

3. Career opportunities and the required USCIS forms, as well as information about pay, benefits and training.

Find the correct USCIS forms

As when dealing with any government agency, there are myriad USCIS immigration forms available. Just a few of the many forms are USCIS application forms, forms for providing biographic information and forms for changing an address. Fortunately, all these forms are downloadable online.
Try:  Get your forms from the USCIS website. For each form, the site lists the filing fee, form number and the edition of the form offered. The Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC offer a comprehensive list of links to forms and information about how and who can use the forms.

Check USCIS case status

Naturally, once someone has applied for some form of immigration, the person will want to know the status of that application. USCIS case status service is available. When checking the status of a case, remember that the government moves slowly, so USCIS processing times are long, which is why there's an extra-fee premium processing service available.
Try:  Quan, Burdette & Perez, P.C. provides a page through which you can get the status of a case and a list of processing dates. Follow the instructions at imminav.com to personalize your Google home page to track your USCIS case status.

Discover US Citizenship and Immigration services and benefits

Special USCIS customer service is available to applicants. Some of these special services require an additional fee, such as USCIS premium processing. There are services for those involved in Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) removal proceedings. Other important services and benefits include those for adoptions, humanitarian issues and those for employers.
Try:  Adoption Media, LLC includes links to forms and information about adoption, an immigration booklet, visas, applying for citizenship and more. The Vera Institute of Justice provides links and information about EOIR removal proceedings issues like expedited removal, reinstatement of removal and requesting asylum.

• When dealing with the USCIS, be very careful. Be sure that any information you provide is truthful, but do not provide any more than absolutely necessary.