From The Press Room

• New CIS Ombudsman Appointed
• Secretary Chertoff on Khatri Resignation
• CIS Ombudsman Releases Updated 2007 Annual Report to Congress

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More from Homeland Security

• Six-Point Agenda for Department of Homeland Security
• Questions & Answers from Recent Teleconferences

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Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

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The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, CISOMB is an independent DHS office that reports directly to the DHS Deputy Secretary. The CIS Ombudsman:

• Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS;
• Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and
• Proposes changes to mitigate identified problems.

In the Spotlight

• Biography of new CIS Ombudsman Michael Dougherty - New 05/08/2008
• CIS Ombudsman Recommendation #34: The CIS Ombudsman recommends that USCIS clarify its refund of fees procedures and revise the Adjudicator's Field Manual, Section 10.10 "Refund of Fees" - New 05/06/2008
• USCIS' February 13, 2008 Responses to the 2007 Annual Report to Congress

Teleconferences

"How Is It Working For You?" The CIS Ombudsman's Community Call-In Teleconference Series provides a forum to hear issues of concern to individuals and employers as they interact with USCIS.

New procedures: Teleconference Participation Information

• Questions & Answers from Recent Teleconferences

Annual Reports

The Ombudsman's annual reports focus on identifying systemic issues that caused delay in granting immigration benefits as well as pervasive and serious problems faced by individuals and employers in their interactions with the USCIS.

• CIS Ombudsman's 2007 Annual Report to Congress
• USCIS' February 13, 2008 Response (Thematic) to the 2007 Annual Report to Congress (PDF, 8 pages-64 KB)
• USCIS' February 13, 2008 Response (Recommendations) to the 2007 Annual Report to Congress (statutorily due by September 28, 2007) (PDF, 14 pages-100 KB)
• Previous Annual Reports

Contact the CIS Ombudsman

The CIS Ombudsman is dedicated to open and accessible communication with both individuals and employers and not only welcomes, but encourages your comments.

• Send Your Recommendations
• Case Problems

CIS Ombudsman's FY 2007 Priorities

Send us your comments and suggestions about these priorities:

1. Recommending Solutions to Systemic Issues that Continue to Cause Individual Case Problems
2. Expanding Up-Front Processing Programs
3. Addressing USCIS Fundamental Budget Issues
4. Reviewing Processing Delays Caused by USCIS Security Screening
5. Improving USCIS Customer Service and Communications

Recommendations

The CIS Ombudsman regularly submits recommendations for process changes to USCIS.

• CIS Ombudsman Recommendations Status Chart
• 2007 Annual Report Recommendations
• 2006 Annual Report Recommendations
• CIS Ombudsman Recommendations Submitted to USCIS

Organization

The CIS Ombudsman works in partnership with the Director of USCIS and reports directly to the Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security.

• View the Department of Homeland Security Organizational Chart.

Authorities

• Legislation establishing the CIS Ombudsman 5 U.S.C. § 452

This page was last reviewed/modified on May 8, 2008.