USCIS National Stakeholder Meeting: 2009 Year in Review
Purpose of Meeting
To discuss accomplishments for the agency in fiscal year 2009 as well as progress to date since the last meeting with stakeholders.
Director’s Remarks
We want to respond to concerns and issues of stakeholders to better serve the people they represent
What have we done in the engagement arena:
Responded to the issues raised at the prior meeting regarding the form N-648
Held engagements to discuss in person and over the phon
Created an initial draft for comment
Revised version based on comments will be published in the Federal Register for public comment
Internal engagements have mirrored the external
Commenced engagement on the fee waiver
Responded to issues about RFEs primarily raised by the business community
Dedicated to issuing field guidance
This will be informed by stakeholder guidance
Lack of precedent decisions
With new AAO chief, Perry Rhew, committed to getting these published
Comments and Questions from Stakeholders
Customer Service/Access
Stakeholders are largely pleased with the new web but raised concerns with access to information in the context of case resolution
Concerns regarding access of attorneys to the field offices and service centers – ie, cannot email or call directly
With limited resources, need to balance access for non-represented customers and those represented
NCSC has been adjusted so that the first question asked is whether or not a person is a representative and then bypasses the rest of the menu and goes directly to making a service request
No backlog in service requests and we are looking at improving quality of responses
Transparency/Accountability
Will the policy on uncertified LCAs be extended?
Policy was implemented for 90 days and subject to review based on DOL processing times
If the problem persists, it is unlikely we would remove the remedy
Concerns with site visits conducted by FDNS – reflect that a high percentage of employees are not present at the work site
Inconclusive data could be perceived badly due to the nature of the site visits
Acknowledge element of surprise is integral to the inspection
Consistency
Creating inventory of policy and procedures internally
NSEERS – can a memo be issued to the field regarding the willful failure to register
Material support issues affect a vulnerable population
Secretary Napolitano has exemption authority
Priority issue for USCIS
Efficiency
While processing times have been reduced for such cases as naturalization, some stakeholders are experiencing delays with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and travel documents
Acknowledge delays may be due to lengthy security checks
Stakeholders applauded the hard work done on the U visas by the VSC but questioned if resources were diverted from the VAWA Unit since there seems to be a backlog of VAWA cases
No resources were removed from the VAWA Unit although these adjudicators provided training and mentoring
USCIS will look into the backlog
Delays with I-730s: is there a resource issue at the NSC?
Suspension of the E3 program is putting stress on the I-730 as the remaining avenue of family reunification
As of October, the average processing time was 6 months but we know that this needs to be a priority
Readjudication process on consular returns is delayed and backlogs exist
Area of underperformance but both the CSC and VSC have made huge reductions in the backlog
Set a processing time goal of 6 months to avoid future backlogs
CSC humanitarian parole cases taking 18-24 months
Resources were allocated to bring down backlogs in high volume applications
Need to shift resources now to bring down backlogs in lower volume applications
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Secretary Napolitano has articulated her dedication to CIR
USCIS will be responsible for implementation and will be properly resourced and prepared
Possible increase in applications from CIR will not offset budget shortfall since it will also include a dramatic increase in costs
CIR will create a logistical issue for access to people and field offices
Funding Model
Concerns expressed at the possibility of raising fees and cutting staff
Despite receiving appropriate funds, cannot bridge the revenue gap caused by lower receipts
Options for meeting budget shortfall are unfortunate and USCIS is mindful of the impact on our goals and objectives
Relatively short timeline for analysis of possible increases
Will provide notice as far in advance as we can
Conscious that a fee increase has a greater impact on certain benefit requests
Opportunities for Future Collaboration
Stakeholders would like to provide further input on public policy issues
Deal with issue of notario fraud in advance of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Capacity building especially in underserved areas
Concerns about the infrastructure for immigration services in agricultural areas and the lack of BIA accredited agencies
Transformation – need engagement from stakeholders and customers
Should we continue to receive paper applications
Mindful of inaccessibility aspect
Does CBO capacity bridge the divide
Would place a strain on CBOs during periods of high demand such as with CIR
Religious worker regulation – conference call to discuss the regulation one year after
Promote citizenship and integration with community groups
Expand and capacity build to improve naturalization education
Highlight and elevate public awareness of citizenship
Administration has appropriated funds and USCIS will be staffing a grants division in the Office of Citizenship
Work in partnership with CBOs and advocacy groups to advocate for better programs
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