US Citizenship: All Changes Introduced by Biden Since the Presidency

The administration of US President Joe Biden and Vice President Canals Harris is committed to making the naturalization process enjoyable and accessible to all who are eligible. Since Biden took office, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a series of regulations to support immigration to the United States. The department described all these rules and innovations in a press release.

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Reconstruction of the 2008 version of the naturalization test

USCIS announced the resumption on February 22, 2021 2008 citizenship test. It came into effect again on March 1, 2021.

There was a short period during which USCIS also offered 2020 version of the test.

Maintaining Permanent Resident Status While Performing Religious Duties Outside the United States

As USCIS stated on May 25, 2021, candidates who are outside the United States for one year or more to perform official or priestly functions may consider such time abroad as permanent residence and physical presence in the United States for naturalization.

Eligibility for naturalization and voter registration

Guidelines for registering an applicant to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles or other application process for benefits USCIS published on May 27, 2021.

On the subject: How to Prepare for a Naturalization Test on the Go: Useful Tools

This manual clarifies, among other things, that USCIS will not penalize candidates who unknowingly or inadvertently register to vote. The Citizenship and Immigration Service does not consider that a candidate was registered to vote unlawfully unless he completed or signed the voter registration section.

Outside Veterans and Naturalization

USCIS published guidance on May 28, 2021 clarifying that some naturalization applications filed by veterans of the U.S. militarywho served during specially designated periods of hostility and meet all other legal requirements for naturalization may naturalize and become US citizens under US immigration law.

In addition, on May 24, 2021, USCIS published update on citizenship for children of military personnel and civil servantsand the automatic citizenship of an overseas-born child of a US citizen employed by the US government or a member of the US military.

Overseas military naturalization process

USCIS uses video capabilities for interviews and naturalization ceremonies at Department of Defense facilities for eligible military personnel and eligible family members overseas. The first deleted video naturalization ceremony took place on March 29, 2021.

Citizenship Grant Program

Among other things, on May 17, 2012, USCIS began accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the FY2021 Grant Program, which will provide up to $ 10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The department has been implementing the grant program for 13 years. This year, for the first time, organizations will be given two months to apply. In addition, outreach activities have been scaled up this year through community events and webinars.

Online interview

To meet physical distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS has deployed the use of video interview for naturalization applicantswhen the applicant arrives at a USCIS facility but is seated in a different room separate from the interviewing officer. Video technology is used for direct interviews.

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Between March and April 2021, the Citizenship and Immigration Service processed over 180 naturalization applications.

This allowed USCIS to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Gifted Americans by Choice (ABC)

This initiative celebrates the outstanding achievement of naturalized US citizens. Through civic engagement and professional achievement, the holders of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to the United States and shared civic values.

The last such ceremony was held in November 2017:

• In May, Sandy Hoa Dang and Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang were honored by USCIS at a Naturalization Ceremony to mark Asians of the Americas and Pacific Islands Heritage Month.
• At a naturalization ceremony with US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff on World Refugee Day in June, USCIS honored Imakuli Ilibagitsa.
• During a special naturalization ceremony dedicated to Independence Day, the "hero of the COVID-19 pandemic" will most likely be declared.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Over 9400 New Americans: USCIS to Host 170 Naturalization Ceremonies for U.S. Independence Day

Refusal to naturalize can result in deprivation of a green card and deportation: when this happens

How many immigrants are denied naturalization every year: data for 10 years

Five reasons why a permanent resident of the United States may lose a green card

More than half of Americans would fail the citizenship test offered to immigrants

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