At the same time, the debate over proposed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee hikes Another big update has slipped through the cracks. The latest rules accompanying the fee increases were that USCIS would ask immigrants to show ID and sign when mailed important immigration documents (green cards, work permits, certificates of naturalization). This change could end up costing many applicants their timely arrival, simply because they were not able to be in the room when the documents came, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warns.
What Is The New “Secure Mail” Policy Like?
Under the new system, USCIS will apply the U.S. The Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery (SCRD) option from the Postal Service. That means that the postal worker will have to turn all mailings in as undeliverable if someone doesn’t have an ID and can sign for papers in person.
For a great many immigrants, particularly those on low incomes, high demands, or limited access to U.S. identification, this may not even get them vital immigration papers. Even more difficult will be signing for mail for refugees and asylum seekers who lack valid U.S. IDs or foreign passports.
What If You Can’t Be In Time To Receive Your Documents?
While USCIS does permit immigrants to assign someone else to pick up their papers or receive their mail from a US postal service, it doesn’t work that way. Postal Service (USPS) office, but many immigrants don’t know how to handle all of this.
Even applicants who make arrangements to send their papers to their lawyer’s office could still be in trouble. During the new procedure, USPS will send documents only if the applicant’s lawyer is physically present to receive them. USPS will not leave the paperwork with a receptionist or another lawyer in the office if the lawyer is out of town, taking a leave of absence, or for any other reason. Rather, the documents will be turned back to USCIS as undeliverable, and potentially even longer.
Why Is USCIS Coming Up With This Rule?
This isn’t the first time USCIS has accessed SCRD. This “Secure Mail initiative” was introduced back in 2018 but only for documents that had already been returned as non-deliverable via regular mail. This new policy, however, will use SCRD to enlist all green cards, work permits, naturalization certificates, and other documents that USCIS sends to you.
USCIS is still silent on why it’s expanding the use of SCRD right now. Indeed, the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security has suggested that USCIS instead use the looser Signature Confirmation system which would be more flexible in terms of document delivery.
Even the expense of scaling up the SCRD network is a factor. This move will add $26.9 million in extra cost to the U.S. taxpayer this year, according to USCIS estimates. That cost could go up even higher since the new regulations would allow USCIS to broaden SCRD to include more immigration documents with a mere change in the immigration form instructions – without notice to immigrants or their attorneys.
And What Does This Mean For Immigrants?
So far, USCIS is considering more than 30,000 public comments, one from Law and Visas on proposed fee increases and related policy changes. Maybe a few of these measures could be tweaked or smoothed out before they’re in force.
For immigrants waiting for documents, this “secure mail” policy could mean long lines and confusion. This in-person delivery could also add further challenges, especially for users who have a hard time staying in their seats when their files come in. Whether you need to process an immigration petition or an important medical statement, keep track of your mail and be prepared for any difficulties the new delivery method may bring.
Stay Informed
We will keep you updated on the announcement of the new ‘secure mail’ rule at USCIS and any other changes that may impact your immigration process. If you have questions about how these changes might affect you or if you simply want guidance and support throughout your process, speak with an immigration attorney.
Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery
Beginning April 30, 2018, USCIS phased in the use of the Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery service. This method requires recipients to sign for their documents upon delivery, providing an additional layer of security and accountability. Key aspects include:
- Identification Requirement: Recipients must present valid identification to sign for their documents. This requirement may pose challenges for some applicants, particularly those without a valid ID or those who rely on representatives or attorneys who may not be available at the time of delivery.
- Designating Agents: Applicants can designate someone else to sign on their behalf by completing specific USPS forms. However, this process can complicate matters if the designated person is unavailable.
- Delivery Options: Applicants have the option to arrange for pickup at a post office or receive notifications through USPS Informed Delivery, allowing them to plan for the arrival of their documents.
Impact on Immigrants
The transition to these secure mail services has several implications for immigrants:
- Improved Tracking and Security: The ability to track documents enhances transparency and reduces anxiety about document delivery. Applicants can confirm that their important papers reach them securely.
- Address Accuracy: It is crucial for applicants to keep their addresses updated with USCIS. Failure to do so could result in delays or complications in receiving important documentation.
- Potential Barriers: The requirement for identification may disproportionately affect certain immigrant populations, particularly those without access to valid IDs or those who change addresses frequently during the application process.
- Increased Responsibility: Applicants must be proactive in managing their document delivery, including signing up for tracking services and ensuring they are available at home during delivery times.
Additional costs associated with the Secure Mail Initiative for applicants
Yes, there are additional costs associated with the USCIS Secure Mail Initiative for applicants. Under the initiative, applicants may opt for enhanced mail security services, which include features like Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery. This service incurs an additional fee estimated to be around $3 to $4 per document.
This fee covers the costs of enhanced security services, including USPS charges and administrative expenses incurred by USCIS. USCIS does not charge for standard document delivery. Applicants must actively request replacement copies if they lose documents or if USCIS fails to deliver them due to incorrect addresses or other issues. They must resubmit their applications and pay the associated fees again, which increases their financial burden, especially if biometric fees are included in the replacement process.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a B-1/B-2 Visa or a K-1 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
