Immigration and Citizenship Services
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for administering the nation's legal immigration system, managing immigration and naturalization benefits, and ensuring the integrity of the immigration process.
Mission
USCIS's mission is to administer the nation's lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity and promise by efficiently and fairly adjudicating requests for immigration benefits. They strive to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all they serve, while ensuring the security and well-being of the United States.
Parent organization
USCIS is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is tasked with public security, including immigration enforcement.
Legislation
USCIS was established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which restructured various government agencies, including those dealing with immigration.
Partners
- Various international organizations for refugee resettlement
- State and local governments for citizenship education
- Nonprofit organizations for community outreach
Number of employees
USCIS employs approximately 19,000 staff members.
Organization structure
- Office of Field Operations oversees the adjudication of immigration benefits through field offices and service centers.
- Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations manages refugee admissions and asylum claims.
- Office of Citizenship focuses on citizenship education and awareness programs.
List of programs
- Naturalization Ceremony Program
- E-Verify
- Citizenship Resource Center
- Asylum and Refugee Services
Last total enacted budget
The last total enacted budget for USCIS was approximately $4.9 billion for Fiscal Year 2023.
Leader
The leader of the organization is titled **Director**.
Services provided
USCIS provides services related to legal immigration, including processing applications for various immigration benefits like permanent residency, naturalization, employment authorization, and temporary protected status. They conduct interviews, administer citizenship tests, and manage the refugee and asylum processes. USCIS also engages in public outreach and education about U.S. citizenship and immigration laws.
Regulations overseen
While USCIS does not directly oversee regulations, it administers them through the adjudication of applications under existing immigration laws and regulations set by Congress and enforced by the Department of Homeland Security.
Headquarters address
5900 Capital Gateway Dr, Camp Springs, MD 20746, USA
History
USCIS was created in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security as part of a broader reorganization of government functions after the September 11 attacks. Before this, it was part of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was dissolved. USCIS's role has since expanded and evolved to meet new immigration challenges and policy changes.