The House Committee on the Judiciary today approved the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Reauthorization Act (HR 2407) to reauthorize the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to maintain the generosity and integrity of America’s legal immigration system.
Authored by chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the legislation would reauthorize USCIS, which is tasked with processing immigrant and nonimmigrant benefits petitions for those seeking temporary visas, lawful permanent residence, international adoption and others. USCIS also adjudicates naturalization applications and manages the E-Verify system.
Goodlatte said in a statement that, “The United States has a generous immigration system and has become home for millions of lawful immigrants seeking to live the American dream, grow our economy, and flee persecution. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services is tasked with processing the immigration benefits applications for those seeking to come to the US legally and become naturalized citizens. The USCIS Reauthorization Act reauthorizes this critical agency and improves its mission.”
“While not contained in this bill, the House Judiciary Committee will soon introduce and take up legislation to address gaping loopholes in the legal immigration system, including much needed reforms to prevent fraud and abuse,” Goodlatte said, noting, “These changes are needed to protect the American people, national security, and the integrity of the immigration system. I am pleased that the House Judiciary Committee approved the USCIS Reauthorization Act today and look forward to taking up other legislation over the coming weeks to improve our nation’s immigration laws.”
