Legal Definitions - Citizenship and Immigration Service

USCIS stands for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

USCIS is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its primary role is to administer the nation's lawful immigration system, processing various applications for immigration benefits. This includes managing applications for U.S. citizenship (naturalization), permanent residency (green cards), temporary visas for work or study, asylum, and other immigration-related requests. USCIS also ensures the integrity of the immigration system by enforcing immigration laws and policies.

Here are some examples of how USCIS operates:

• Applying for U.S. Citizenship: After living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for several years, Maria decides she wants to become a U.S. citizen. She would submit her application for naturalization (Form N-400) to USCIS. USCIS officers would then review her application, conduct an interview, administer civics and English tests, and ultimately decide whether to approve her for citizenship.

  This example illustrates USCIS's role in processing applications for naturalization, which is the process by which foreign nationals become U.S. citizens.

• Sponsoring a Family Member for a Green Card: John, a U.S. citizen, wants to bring his spouse, Emily, to live permanently in the United States. John would file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) with USCIS to establish their marital relationship. Once USCIS approves this petition, Emily can then proceed with her application for a green card, either from within the U.S. or through a U.S. consulate abroad, allowing her to become a lawful permanent resident.

  This demonstrates USCIS's function in managing family-based immigration, where they determine the validity of relationships for immigration purposes and process initial petitions for permanent residency.

• Seeking Asylum in the U.S.: A person named Ahmed arrives in the United States seeking protection because he fears persecution in his home country. He would file an asylum application (Form I-589) with USCIS. An asylum officer from USCIS would then interview Ahmed to evaluate the merits of his claim and determine if he meets the legal criteria for asylum under U.S. law.

  This example highlights USCIS's responsibility in adjudicating humanitarian immigration requests, specifically evaluating and deciding on applications for asylum.