The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently announced a series of policy updates with a clear objective: to detect and more rigorously punish foreigners who falsify information or falsely claim U.S. citizenship.
These measures include restoring advanced background screening and security investigation capabilities, with the aim of protecting the integrity of the immigration system and preventing abuse.
What changes with the new USCIS guidelines?
According to the official statement, the updates have an impact on several aspects:
- Enhanced background checks and security: Controls will be strengthened to detect inconsistencies in applications.
- False claims of citizenship: USCIS will more rigorously apply grounds for inadmissibility. This will be under section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- Application of Matter of Zhang, 27 I&N Dec. 569 (BIA 2019): This decision supersedes previous guidance. It also eliminates defenses that could previously be used in cases of false citizenship claims.
- New criteria for analysis: The age and level of knowledge of the foreign national will be taken into account. Their mental capacity will also be considered to determine whether there was intent to obtain benefits fraudulently.
These guidelines, published in the USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 8, Part K, Chapter 2), are binding. They apply to both pending applications and new applications filed after the date of publication.
Consequences of falsifying immigration information
Foreigners who engage in deceptive practices or provide false information face:
- Permanent inadmissibility: Denial of entry or stay in the US.
- Loss of immigration benefits: Cancellation of residence, naturalization, or asylum processes.
- Legal consequences: Possible penalties under federal or state laws.
USCIS has also stepped up its awareness campaign, reminding the public that immigration fraud not only affects the system, but can also ruin the legitimate opportunities of thousands of honest applicants.
The role of psychological evaluations in legitimate immigration cases
In a scenario where USCIS tightens its checks, a psychological evaluation conducted by immigration specialists can make the difference between the approval or rejection of a case.
- They professionally document traumatic experiences, anxiety, or depression that support asylum applications, U/T visas, hardship waivers, and deportation cancellations.
- They provide clinical evidence that explains behaviors, memory gaps, or emotional reactions that may be misinterpreted in hearings.
- They strengthen the applicant’s credibility by demonstrating that the narrative is consistent and supported by mental health professionals.
The new USCIS policies remind us that transparency is key in any immigration process. Solid evidence is also essential. Falsifying information is not only risky: it can close doors permanently.
On the other hand, having serious and professional psychological evaluations helps demonstrate the legitimacy of the case. It also protects the rights of immigrants and increases the chances of success.
If you are an immigrant in the process of regularizing your status or an immigration lawyer seeking to strengthen your cases
Contact us to schedule a specialized psychological evaluation for immigration purposes.
