The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the responsibility of managing lawful immigration to the United States. It administers naturalization and immigration services, such as applications for permanent residency, work authorization, and refugee and asylum status. USCIS also provides guidance to federal, state, and local governments regarding the interpretation and enforcement of federal immigration laws.
What USCIS Processes and Services Does the Agency Provide?
USCIS is responsible for processing applications for immigration and naturalization benefits, such as:
- Applications for permanent residence (green cards);
- Applications for U.S. citizenship through naturalization;
- Applications for employment authorization;
- Applications for travel documents; and
- Applications for refugee and asylum status.
USCIS also makes decisions about granting or denying immigration petitions, such as applications for family-based green cards, fiancé visas, and petitions for government permission to employ foreign workers.
Where Can One Find More Information About USCIS?
The USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/) has a wealth of information about its mission and services, as well as detailed instructions about how to locate a local service center or a contact person within the agency. The agency also provides customer service in multiple languages.
In addition to the resources on the USCIS website, one can attend free workshops and seminars hosted by the agency throughout the year in various locations. These events provide important information about preparing for and applying for certain immigration benefits.
Conclusion
USCIS plays an essential role in U.S. immigration and naturalization. The agency oversees the entire immigration process, including the adjudication of applications for immigration benefits. The USCIS website and local events it hosts provide up-to-date information and guidance on how to apply and become a U.S. citizen or get a permanent residency.