DHS Seeks Public Input Regarding Access to Immigration Benefits and Services

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking feedback from the general public regarding how the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can improve accessibility to immigration benefits and services.

The Request for Public Input is published in the Federal Register. DHS is seeing input to identify barriers to USCIS services. The focus includes but is not limited to:

Adjustment of status
Naturalization
H-1B nonimmigrant status
Refugee status,
Asylum, and
Parole.

The overarching purpose of the Request for Public Input is to improve equity by reducing unnecessary administrative work, complexity, confusion, and processing and waiting times. The public is invited to submit feedback about any processes or regulations that unfairly burden marginalized or disadvantaged communities.

Input will help identify areas where process improvements are needed for USCIS to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their administration of the country’s immigration benefits.

The DHS public input request is a part of the DHS’ commitment to fulfilling the promise of President Biden’s Feb. 2, 2021, Executive Order 14012, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.” Part of the Executive Order states Federal agencies is to identify strategies that promote inclusion and identify areas where barriers impede access to immigration benefits.

The public may submit comments, identified by docket number USCIS-2021-0004, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Be sure to follow the instructions. All written comments are requested on or before May 19, 2021. Only comments submitted through the portal will be reviewed.

Feedback be used to refine and strengthen strategic plans, consider reforms, and execute reports pursuant to President Biden’s Executive Order 14012. Changes and or process improvements, based on this feedback, will be at the sole discretion of DHS.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov.

We strongly encourage our clients and all those who have relied on USCIS and the immigration processes to submit their comments. If you have questions about your immigration status or options available to you, contact us at ILBSG. We work with you to ensure you get the right advice.