Family

USCIS is extending the currently approved application form for Family Unity Benefits without substantive changes. The agency is inviting public comments on the information collection's scope, respondent categories, and administrative…

The State Department is seeking public comments on its information collection form for applications under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. This form is used by parents and guardians seeking to recover children…

A U.S. Airman and his aunt were arrested for allegedly falsifying their relationship to obtain immigration benefits. The scheme involved lying about family connections to secure visa or green card status. This case highlights enforcement…

USCIS helped expose a marriage fraud ring that orchestrated over 1,000 fake marriages across more than a decade. Eleven people have been indicted for participating in the scheme. This takedown demonstrates immigration authorities' efforts…

USCIS is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Petition for Alien Relative form (I-130), which is used to sponsor family members for immigration. The agency is revising how it collects information from petitioners under the…

USCIS clarified its policy on how age is calculated under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) for family-based petitions. A visa is now considered available for CSPA age calculation purposes based on the Department of State Visa…

USCIS released new policy guidance to improve how it reviews family-based immigration petitions, with enhanced screening and vetting procedures. The guidance is being added to the official USCIS Policy Manual for staff reference. This…

An Albanian national and his American citizen wife were charged with marriage fraud and making false statements to USCIS. Marriage-based green card and spousal petitions require truthful information, and falsification can result in both…

An Indian citizen unlawfully residing in West Virginia pleaded guilty to marriage fraud involving false spousal sponsorship. USCIS provided investigative support that led to the guilty plea. This case demonstrates enforcement of…

USCIS assisted ICE, the State Department, and federal prosecutors in dismantling a nationwide marriage fraud operation, resulting in arrests. The agency's data and investigation support helped identify fraudulent family-based petitions.…

On June 18, DHS announced a process to keep families together by allowing certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least 10 years to request parole in place on a case-by-case basis. This new pathway…

USCIS clarified its procedures for adoptions under the Hague Adoption Convention, effective June 14, 2024. The updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual helps prospective adoptive parents understand the process for international…

USCIS has updated its policy manual to clarify how it applies exceptions to the 'sought to acquire' requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), following a February 2023 policy change. This guidance affects family-based…