USCIS Meaning - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services - Immikare

Simple USCIS meaning is, USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS is the government agency of the United States Government that oversees lawful immigration to the United States, with around 18,000 government employees and contractors working in more than 200 offices around the world.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 dismantled the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) into three components within the Department of Homeland Security(DHS)

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The Homeland Security Act created USCIS to enhance the security and efficiency of national immigration services.

To handle immigration enforcement and border security, the law also formed

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Enforcement of immigration laws remained under Customs and Border Protection (CBP) & Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

USCIS assumed responsibility on March 1, 2003 for the immigration service functions of the federal government

Dated 25 July 2023 U.S. Citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) announced a new version of form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers need to use this Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees.

What is USCIS Full Form?

USCIS Full Form is: United States Citizenship and immigration services (USCIS)

What is the USCIS?

USCIS or United States Citizenship and immigration services is a federal agency. It was formed to enhance security and improve the efficiency of national immigration services by exclusively focusing on the administration of benefit applications.

• USCIS primary role is to administer the country’s immigration policy and laws (within the boundaries of the U.S.)
• USCIS operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• USCIS was established in 2003 following the enactment of the Homeland Security Act 2002
• USCIS facilitates entry into the U.S. of persons legally admissible as immigrants
• Unlike most federal agencies, USCIS is funded almost entirely by user fees, mostly via the Immigration Examination Fee Account (IEFA)

Mission Statement of USCIS

As per the official website of the United States government, the Mission statement is

“USCIS upholds America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve”

Key Functions of USCIS

USCIS performs a wide array of functions around lawful immigration to the U.S. Some of the services they provide include citizenship immigration of family members working in the U.S., Humanitarian programs, and adoptions

USCIS evaluates a person’s eligibility for citizenship, Naturalization, immigration based on familial status, permanent residency status, visa extension, and humanitarian aid.

USCIS also plays a major role in evaluating eligibility for asylum and work visas that involves other agencies and immigration courts

USCIS manages the legal non-citizen adoptions process of non-citizens children adopted by legal citizens of the U.S.

Some of these functions include:

Processing Applications for Visas

Amongst the various functions performed by USCIS, one of its key roles is processing various types of visas both temporary or permanent visas. for example visas including

• H-1B: Work visas
  • F-1: Student visas
  • J-1: Student Visa

Family-based visas including

• Marriage-based green card
• Employment-based green card
• And more visas

USCIS focuses on two key points on the immigrant’s path to civic integration:

• When they first become permanent residents
• When they are ready to begin the formal Naturalization process

Processing Applications for Permanent Residency

USCIS processes applications related to permanent residency through various pathways including:

• Family Sponsorship
• Employment related petitions

What does Permanent Residency mean?

Permanent residency allows individuals to remain in the USA indefinitely

Processing Applications for Naturalization

USCIS processes applications related to Naturalization

What does Naturalization Mean?

Naturalization is a process by which foreign nationals becomes U.S. citizens after meeting certain requirements including:

• Passing an English proficiency test
• Demonstrating knowledge about U.S. history and U.S. government

Individuals who wish to become U.S. citizens through naturalization submit their application to USCIS. If approved USCIS schedule the applicant for a ceremony to take the Oath of allegiance.

Verifying Work Eligibility

Manages the system where employers can check if the employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Humanitarian Programs

Administers humanitarian programs protecting victims of civil unrest, war, Famine, natural disaster, and those at risk of persecution in their home country. The most common means to accomplish this by government-authorized Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Adoptions

Involves in the international adoption process for immigrant adoptees

Immigration of family Members

Administration of the process by which U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor the immigration of family members

Adjudicating Asylum Claims

USCIS adjudicates asylum claims based on credible fear that an individual may face persecution due to:

• Due to their Race
• Due to their Religion
• Due to their Nationality
• Due to their membership in a particular social group

On an average day, they adjudicate more than:

• 26,000 requests for various immigration benefits
• 200 Refugee applications around the world
• Grant asylum to 45 individuals already in the U.S.
• Screen 146 people for protection based on a credible fear of persecution if they return to their home country
• Answer 50,000 phone calls to their toll-free customer service line.
• Serves 2,200 customers at information appointments in 86 domestic field offices.
• Receives 335,000 visitor sessions on USCIS.gov
• Their Most visited pages case status online page and the forms page
• Fingerprint and photograph 13,000 people at 137 Application Support Centers.
• Ensures the Employment eligibility of more than 80,000 new hires in the U.S.
• Welcome nearly 2,000 new citizens at naturalization ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

What does USCIS stand for?

USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

What is USCIS Full Form?

USCIS Full Form is United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

What is a USCIS number?

USCIS number is a unique number assigned to non-citizens by the Department of Homeland Security. It serves as an identification number and is listed on Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-551) that are issued after 10 May 2010

Is USCIS a federal agency

Yes USCIS is a federal agency that controls lawful permanent immigration to the U.S.

How to book an appointment at USCIS in India?

To book an appointment to visit USCIS New Delhi you can email USCIS at Cis.ndi@uscis.dhs.gov. Remember walk-ins are not allowed by USCIS New Delhi.