(c)www.newamericanscampaign.org

On February 4th, 2014 the USCIS released a new revised N – 400 Form for the Application of Naturalization. The revised Form was part of an improvement initiative.

The revisions to the N – 400 provide USCIS with additional tools to make necessary and important eligibility determinations. The improvements shall increase the efficiency and accuracy for the USCIS and the customers, whereas the customers is presented even better instructions.

The improved N – 400 now includes especially the following points:

Additional questions to conform with the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 and Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2008. The additional information is important for USCIS to make a complete and informed determination of an applicant’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship, not only relating to concerns surrounding good moral character but also to issues relating to the security of the United States.

Clearer and more comprehensive instructions now highlight general eligibility requirements and help customers understand the naturalization application process by providing specific instructions on how to complete each part of the application.

2D barcode technology at the bottom of each page that greatly enhances USCIS’s ability to more efficiently scan data for direct input to USCIS systems. This feature results in improved data quality, efficiency in processing, and overall integrity of the naturalization program.

Customers may continue to use the previous form for a 90-day transition period. Starting May 5th, 2014 the older forms will no longer be accepted by the USCIS. Additional resources concerning that form are online. On February 20th, 2014 the USCIS will also hold a stakeholder engagement to inform the public about the revisions.

Like before customers are encouraged to fill the form out electronically, print, sign and mail it to the USCIS according to the form instructions (see www.uscis.gov/n-400). 

Best regards
und viele Grüße aus Charlotte
Reinhard von Hennigs
www.bridgehouse.law