On October 19, 2022, USCIS published major revisions to their Policy Manual on the English and/or Civics disability waiver for naturalization applicants. Overall, these changes were a welcome improvement in access to the disability waiver. However, we opposed the sections in the revised Policy Manual and N-648 that add a question about understanding the oath of allegiance. The oath waiver and the English/civics disability waiver derive from separate sections of the law and have different eligibility standards.
Sample questions about the sheriff’s policy positions on working with ICE that advocates or community members can use at candidate forums or other meetings. For more background information about sheriffs and their role in the deportation pipeline, see: https://www.ilrc.org/role-sheriffs-and-arrest-deportation-pipeline
EOIR recently published proposed changes to the forms used to apply for DOJ recognition and accreditation. ILRC submitted comments objecting to the changes, which add new and burdensome requirements for applicants. The information requested and the new documentary requirements exceed the requirements in the regulations.
ILRC commended USCIS on its recent extension of COVID flexibility policies through October 23, 2022. In addition, we suggested some new COVID-related policies to ameliorate the impact of the pandemic, including longer extensions of time to respond to notices and decisions, adoption of a mailbox rule for filing deadlines, and allowing waivers to proceed despite death of a qualifying relative.
On July 14, 2022, the ILRC submitted a comment to USCIS about Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. ILRC requested that USCIS revise Form N-400 to be shorter and to request information that is only relevant to eligibility for naturalization. ILRC also encouraged USCIS to do away with its practice of re-adjudicating underlying forms at the naturalization stage – a practice that is burdensome in time and resources and discourages eligible Lawful Permanent Residents from engaging with the naturalization process.
The ILRC submitted a comment to USCIS requesting that USCIS clarify who may file an N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, and to prioritize applications for children who are close to turning eighteen and aging out of elibiblity for citizenship under INA Section 322.
The ILRC submitted a comment to USCIS in support of the agency’s temporary increase of 540 days for the validity periods for Employment Authorization where an EAD renewal application is pending. This move will help provide financial stability for those who rely on authorization for employment and are currently stuck waiting in long processing backlogs.
On June 6, 2022, the ILRC submitted a comment on USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The comment encourages USCIS to amend the form to be shorter, to eliminate unnecessary questions, and to provide clarification where needed. The comment also asks USCIS to withdraw the discretionary factors used to adjudicate the form.