The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (Ombudsman) 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 by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Created by section 452 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Ombudsman is an impartial and confidential resource that is independent of USCIS.

Your Ombudsman

Michael Dougherty currently serves as the sixth Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman at the Department of Homeland Security.

Nathan Stiefel currently serves as the Deputy Ombudsman for the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman at Department of Homeland Security.

Ombudsman Spotlight

How We Can Help

Case Assistance

An overview of when and how to submit a case assistance request with the Ombudsman's Office.
Recommendations

The Ombudsman recommends ways to fix systemic problems that people face when they seek services from USCIS.
Public Engagement

Share information on specific topics and discuss interactions with USCIS.
Annual Report to Congress

A summary of the most pervasive and serious problems encountered by individuals and employers applying for immigration benefits with USCIS.
Contact the Ombudsman

Contacting the Ombudsman
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