Citizenship News

USCIS Announces Fiscal Year 2013 Grant Recipients on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome more than 18,000 new citizens during more than 180 naturalization ceremonies from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23 in honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.Museums, historic libraries, government landmarks and national park sites will provide the backdrop for this week-long celebration of citizenship and the achievements of our newest citizens.

Supplemental Guidance for Processing I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers

As announced in Ref A, 9 FAM 40.92 has been updated with information and guidance to consular officers related to a new final rule permitting certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for an I-601A provisional waiver of unlawful presence before leaving the United States for their immigrant visa appointments. This cable provides supplemental information for posts in processing these cases.

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USCIS Redesigns Special Certificate of Naturalization and Certificates of Citizenship

On Aug. 5, USCIS will start issuing redesigned certificates including:

  • Form N-578, Special Certificate of Naturalization;
  • Form N-645, Certificate of Citizenship (Posthumous);
  • Form N-645A, Certificate of Citizenship (Posthumous).

The redesigned certificates feature state-of-the-art technology to deter counterfeiting, prevent tampering, and allow for quick and accurate authentication.

The United States to Welcome More than 7,800 New Citizens during Independence Day Celebrations

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas will help USCIS celebrate our nation’s 237th birthday as the agency welcomes more than 7,800 new citizens during more than 100 naturalization ceremonies across the country and overseas from July 1 to July 5.

USCIS Redesigns Replacement Citizenship and Naturalization Certificates

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today began issuing redesigned certificates for citizenship and naturalization for individuals who request replacement certificates (Form N-561, Replacement Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-570, Replacement Certificate of Naturalization).

The replacement certificates incorporate state-of-the-art technology to help deter counterfeiting, prevent tampering, and facilitate quick and accurate authentication. Additionally, USCIS employs a new and more secure printing process for the certificates to further prevent tampering.

Fiscal Year 2013 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

USCIS is reopening the FY 2013 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program funding opportunity announcement (DHS-13-CIS-010-002). Applications may be filed through Grants.gov from June 3, 2013 through June 5, 2013 at 11:59:59 PM EDT. USCIS learned after the close of the original application period on May 22, 2013 that Grants.gov rejected a significant percentage of applications to this funding opportunity. Given those rejections, USCIS is reopening this opportunity for a brief period to allow potential applicants to resubmit an application.

DOS Offers Expedited U.S. Passport Services for Summer Travel

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
May 14, 2013
 

The U.S. Department of State offers expedited passport services to U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad this summer, including families going on summer vacations and students participating in study abroad programs. While we urge U.S. citizens to apply as early as possible for their passport needs, the Department offers convenient options for those who need their travel documents sooner than our standard 4-6 week processing time.

USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity which promotes immigrant civic integration and prepares permanent residents for citizenship. The program will provide nearly $10 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. Applications are due by May 22, 2013.