Helping People Navigate Citizenship and Immigration Services

The Ombudsman’s Office was created by section 452 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and is dedicated to improving the quality of citizenship and immigration services delivered to the public by providing individual case assistance, as well as making recommendations to improve the administration of immigration benefits.  Maria M. Odom was appointed Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman by Secretary Janet Napolitano in September 2012.

Assisting Individuals and Making Recommendations

Case Assistance, Recommendations, Teleconferences

• If you are having problems with a USCIS application or petition, the Ombudsman's Office offers assistance with individual cases.  Submit your request for assistance using Ombudsman Case Assistance Online.
• The Ombudsman's Office also recommends ways to fix systemic problems that people commonly face when they seek services from USCIS.
• Public teleconferences hosted by the Ombudsman's Office share information on specific topics and discuss interactions with USCIS.

Supporting the Public by Increasing Access to Resources

The Ombudsman’s Office strives to provide the public with quick links to information and resources to help people find the information they need. 

By statute, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman publicly submits its Annual Report to Congress by June 30 of each calendar year.  The Ombudsman’s Annual Report must provide a summary of the most pervasive and serious problems encountered by individuals and employers applying for immigration benefits with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  The Annual Report also reviews past recommendations to improve USCIS programs and services.

Contact Information

Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 0180
Washington, D.C. 20528

Phone: 1-855-882-8100 (toll free) or 202-357-8100 (local)
Fax: 202-357-0042

For general inquiries: cisombudsman@hq.dhs.gov

For public affairs inquiries, such as information relating to teleconferences or stakeholder engagements: cisombudsman.publicaffairs@hq.dhs.gov