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Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa

Purpose
Immigrants are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence because they may not speak English, are often separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many immigrants to remain in abusive relationships.

USCIS Issues Fact Sheet and Q&As on New Naturalization Certificate

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced the launch of a redesigned Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) with new security features that will reduce fraud—part of USCIS’ ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity of the immigration system. USCIS began using redesigned certificates at all offices today, and the agency anticipates that over 600,000 new citizens will receive the enhanced certificate over the next year. 

USCIS Issues Two Precedent Appeals Decisions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has issued two decisions from the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) as binding precedent for the agency.  These decisions will provide guidance to USCIS adjudicators and help deliver predictability to the public.  AAO precedent decisions result from a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which publishes the cases.

Presidential Memo Outlines Refugee Admissions

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release October 08, 2010

Presidential Memorandum--Refugee Admissions

Presidential Determination
No.       2011-2         

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2011 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status Pursuant to Sections 207 and 101(a)(42), Respectively, of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and Determination Pursuant to Section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act, as Amended