ICE Gathers Data from Abortion Clinics and Schools
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is using subpoenas known as 1509 custom summonses to obtain records in a way that some experts say could be illegal, according to a new WIRED investigation.
From 2016 to the middle of 2022, the agency issued 1509s more than 170,000 times.These subpoenas are meant to be used to investigate customs violations, but WIRED found the agency used them to obtain information unrelated to customs fraud, including from a youth soccer league, a major abortion provider, and an elementary school.
USCIS News
USCIS Creates First-Ever Virtual Service Center
USCIS has opened a virtual service center to process requests for humanitarian immigration relief, including visas for victims of domestic violence and crimes, in an effort to reduce backlogs and improve processing times.
The new center is USCIS’ sixth service center and its first all-virtual one. In an interview, the agency’s director, Ur Jaddou, called it an “important milestone.”
DHS Now Accepting Immigrants’ Self-Identified Gender Identity on Forms
Immigrant visa applicants will now be permitted to specify their own gender identity on forms, even if it does not match the gender identity shown in their supporting documents.
USCIS announced the policy update on Friday, adding that immigrants do not need to submit proof of their gender identity when requesting a change to their gender marker unless they are submitting Form N-565, used to apply for a replacement naturalization certificate or citizenship document.
USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule on Medical Exam Form
USCIS has removed the 60-day rule for physician signatures on the immigration medical exam results form. Green card applicants who file after March 31 can submit Form I-693 up to two years after the civil surgeon signs it. Previously, applicants had to make sure a civil surgeon signed the form within 60 days of submitting their green card application or risk a denial.