USCIS Expands Dallas Pilot Program
Posted Sep 29, 2006
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a notice in the Federal Register announcing its expansion of the Dallas Pilot Program to the El Paso District Office and the Oklahoma City Sub-Office. Because the program is no longer limited to Dallas, it will be known as the District Office Rapid Adjudication (DORA) pilot program.
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Under the expansion, qualifying persons in these districts are required to use the pilot program, which previously was voluntary. The program becomes mandatory at the Dallas District office as of October 23, 2006 and at the other two offices from November 20, 2006. All three programs are currently scheduled to terminate September 21, 2007.
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In-Person I-485 Filings for Certain Non-Employment-Based Cases
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Under the DORA pilot program, one who plans to file an I-485 application, based on an I-130 family-based petition with an immediately-available visa number, the diversity visa lottery, or based on an I-360 petition (except special immigrants who are religious workers), must schedule an Infopass appointment to file his or her papers in person at the proper office. An individual who is filing an I-485 application based on an I-140 employer petition, or who does not live in one of these three areas, should continue to follow standard procedures for filing the I-485 application. Participation in the pilot program is only required of those living in the jurisdiction of one of these three offices.
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At the Infopass appointment, the applicant is required to submit all documents for the application. If any documents are missing, the officer will not recommend filing the application at that time, since there is a high chance of denial. The officer will take the application if the applicant insists, however. An applicant may also file the I-131 for advance parole and the I-765 for employment authorization at the same time. If the applicant wishes to file these applications at a different time, s/he will be mailed according to the same procedures required of those not in the pilot program.
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On-the-Spot Interviews
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Interviews generally will occur when the applications are being filed. Applicants must be prepared to answer questions at the interview and, in family cases, the petitioner and beneficiary should plan to be available for the interview. It is advisable to speak with a qualified, experienced immigration attorney prior to the interview to ensure that everyone is prepared. After the interview, the participants will receive an appointment notice for biometrics. Due to the need for fingerprinting and security checks, a case cannot be approved at the time of the interview.
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Making the Appointment
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If an applicant does not have a computer to make an Infopass appointment, s/he may use the USCIS kiosks at the local office to schedule an appointment. In such a circumstance, an applicant may have to go to the district office twice - once to make the appointment and once to appear for the appointment - depending upon whether any appointments are available on the same day.
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Conclusion
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We at the Murthy Law Firm applaud the USCIS's ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog and provide immigration benefits to appropriate and deserving applicants in a timely fashion. The key to making this process work is for the applicant to appear at the appointment with fully completed, correct forms and all the documentation that might be requested at an interview.
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This proposal for a one-step process to streamline the operations at the USCIS initially was recommended in 2004 by the Ombudsman's office. Perhaps this is the beginning of a more efficient system, through which the USCIS will be able to focus on service for their clients - individuals, employers, employees, and families who rely upon our immigration system.