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On October 20, 2011, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (Ombudsman's Office) hosted its First Annual Conference bringing together more than 300 participants with diverse backgrounds and interests, to discuss their common goal of improving the delivery of immigration and citizenship services.

Introduction

Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Conyers, and members of the Committee: Thank you for the opportunity to testify today about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to secure our Nation from the many threats we face.

This committee continues to play a critical role in helping the Department in our security mission, and I am grateful for the chance to update you on the progress we are making. The Department has six mission areas:

Self Check is a voluntary, fast, free and simple service that allows you to check your employment eligibility in the United States. If any mismatches are found between the information you provide and your Department of Homeland Security or Social Security Administration records, Self Check will inform you of how to correct those mismatches.

Self Check is a service of E-Verify. Once you have confirmed your employment eligibility using Self Check, you are unlikely to encounter difficulties upon being hired by an E-Verify participating employer.

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: August 20, 2025

https://shorturl.at/fgEeb

Synopsis

A new USCIS policy on Good Moral Character (GMC), effective August 15, 2025, raises concerns despite its seemingly flexible approach. While it aims for a "holistic" review, applicants may now face a higher burden to prove their worthiness beyond just lacking a criminal record.

For more information on this article, please see the attachment below.

Release Date 

08/20/2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is restoring robust screening and vetting processes to detect aliens seeking to defraud or abuse the immigration system, including aliens who make false claims to U.S. citizenship. USCIS is also actively increasing public awareness among aliens and the public about the consequences of committing immigration fraud. Aliens who use false information or deceitful practices to unfairly obtain immigration advantages will face serious consequences.

USCIS recently updated the following form(s):

Form G-845 Supplement, Verification Request

08/12/2025 01:46 PM EDT

Edition Date: 08/12/25. Starting Oct. 27, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 08/12/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 04/08/21 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Form G-845, Verification Request

08/12/2025 12:36 PM EDT

Published by: The Times of India -  August 29, 2025

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/dhs-regulation-seeks-to-tighten…

Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:

Release Date 

08/29/2025

New form allows payment of filing fees, services via secure direct debit payments

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented a new way to pay fees using electronic debit from a U.S. bank account. Effective immediately, individuals can make transactions directly to USCIS by completing and signing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and filing it with their applications, petitions, or requests.

USCIS recently updated the following forms:

Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver

07/22/2025 02:50 PM EDT

Edition Date: 07/22/25. USCIS will also accept prior editions (or a written request). You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Form G-1055, Fee Schedule

07/31/2025 02:10 PM EDT

Edition Date: 07/31/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.

Release Date 

08/01/2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that will enhance the capability to screen and vet family-based immigrant visa petitions. This update explains requirements and adjudication of these petitions, including eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions.

Release Date 

08/04/2025

Policy enhancements aim to prevent aliens who are males from being authorized to participate in women’s sports in the United States

Release Date 

08/08/2025