ImmigrationINFO: New COVID-19 Guidelines for Visitors Entering U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Jun 14, 2020 News

By Attorney Gail Seeram

To protect the workforce and the public from exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now require all applicants, petitioners and visitors over the age of two to wear face coverings while in a USCIS office until further notice.

You may be directed to briefly remove your face covering to confirm identity or take your photograph. USCIS reserves the right to deny entry to individuals who do not wear a face covering.

Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing. Follow USCIS signs or instructions to maintain social distancing during screening and while in USCIS space. To limit the number of people in the waiting room, applicants with scheduled appointments may only be accompanied by:
• An attorney;
• An interpreter (in some cases, interpreters will need to be available by phone);
• A parent, legal guardian or a trusted adult, if the applicant being interviewed is a minor;
• Immediate family members listed as dependents on the application or interview notice; and
• An individual assisting a disabled person.

At this time, USCIS cannot allow guests at naturalization (or citizenship oath) ceremonies. Ceremonies will be limited to the candidates who are scheduled to be naturalized and individuals providing assistance to disabled persons. Face coverings are required during the naturalization ceremony, even if it is held outside of a USCIS space.

If you are feeling sick, please do not come go to the USCIS office. Follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule your appointment for when you are healthy. There is no penalty for rescheduling your appointment if you are sick. You will not be allowed to enter the USCIS office if you:
• Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
• Have had close contact within the last 14 days with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19;
• Have been instructed by a healthcare provider or public health authority to isolate or self-quarantine within the last 14 days; or
• Refuse to wear a face covering or mask in accordance with USCIS policy.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA
Call | text 407-292-7730
WhatsApp 407-353-1363
Email: Gail@GailLaw.com
Live chat: www.GailLaw.com
Download FREE App: Gail Law

NOTE: Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram offers a free consultation to discuss related fees for a process and explain options. Our office will NOT tell you how to complete the legal process on your own. If you seek legal representation, then legal fees will be due to our office.

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