USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Mailing Address Procedures for Victims of Immigration Relief

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an update to their policy manual on mailing address procedures for individuals eligible for and receiving victim-based immigration relief, such as Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners, as well as those seeking or currently holding T or U nonimmigrant status. This update also pertains to the abused spouses of certain nonimmigrants applying for employment authorization. Under 8 U.S.C 1367 confidentiality provisions, USCIS must ensure that information related to a protected person is only disclosed to authorized parties. The guidance is effective July 11, 2023, and applies to benefit requests that are pending or filed on or after that date. USCIS welcomes feedback and comments on this update, which can be submitted through the Policy Manual for Comment page.

USCIS link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-guidance-on-safe-mailing-address-and-case-handling-procedures-for-certain