New Policy Eliminates USCIS “Blank Space” Criteria
Key Points(5)
- The USCIS issued a policy update recently, confirming that it would no longer reject immigration application forms that contain blank responses.
- This had been the existing policy until October 2019, when former U.S.
- President Donald Trump’s USCIS officials began rejecting Form I-589, Form I-612 or Form I-918 if an applicant left a space blank.
- USCIS has now reverted back to the rejection criteria that existed before the October 2019 change.
- Going forward, the USCIS will no longer reject any form for the sole reason that an applicant leaves a blank space.
The USCIS issued a policy update recently, confirming that it would no longer reject immigration application forms that contain blank responses.
This had been the existing policy until October 2019, when former U.S. President Donald Trump’s USCIS officials began rejecting Form I-589, Form I-612 or Form I-918 if an applicant left a space blank.
USCIS has now reverted back to the rejection criteria that existed before the October 2019 change. Going forward, the USCIS will no longer reject any form for the sole reason that an applicant leaves a blank space.
However, the USCIS cautions applicants that it may still reject forms if required data is left blank, or if the applicant fails to answer questions which determine eligibility or if required initial evidence is not submitted which demonstrates eligibility.
You can read the USCIS advisory by visiting our website at www.americanimmigrationcentral.com and clicking on the enewsletter
** Contributions to this Column are made by Attorney Caroly Pedersen, Esq. of the American Immigration Law Center – Call 954-382-5378
