Congressman Hensarling can assist you with questions regarding the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and any applications you have filed with that agency, including naturalization applications, immigrant petitions for relatives, and adjustment of status applications. If you have been working with USCIS and have encountered problems, we might be able to help. You will need to fill out a USCIS Privacy Release Form and send it with the explanation of the problem you are having.
How do I become a U.S. Citizen?
Visit the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for information about how to become a U.S. Citizen. Also, you can download a "Guide to Naturalization." This 45-page booklet answers most questions you may have regarding citizenship. You must have Adobe Acrobat to access it.
You can now download software from the USCIS website that will allow you to complete your naturalization form on your personal computer, and then print a special bar-coded application that greatly improves the accuracy and speed of the data input by USCIS staff.
If you prefer, you can also call 1-800-870-3676 and request form N-400, the Naturalization application, or download it from the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website
I recently filed for Naturalization or a Green Card with the USCIS. How long will that take?
I recently filed for Naturalization or a Green Card with the USCIS. How long will that take?
For naturalization, it's difficult to know how long it will take as different USCIS offices have different workloads. To see when a visa number will become available based on your preference, go to the Visa Section on the State Department website.
I need a form from the USCIS, but the local office won't give me one. How do I get an USCIS form?
You can download or request forms be mailed to you on the USCIS website, or by calling 1-800-870-FORM (1-800-870-3676).
I've tried calling the USCIS to ask a question, but can't get through. How do you call the USCIS?
You can also try this toll-free number for general questions: 1-800-375-5283.
Business and Immigration
The trend in immigration law over the last few years has provided more options for companies wanting to hire people not living in the U.S. The Nutshell Guide for Businesses Hiring Temporary Employees from Outside the U.S. is a handy reference. Also check the Procedures and Alternatives to Sponsoring an H-1B Specialty Worker fact sheet for more information about hiring people with special skills not readily available in the United States.
USCIS and Congress
Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas is the chairman of the House Judiciary's subcommittee on Immigration. His webpage includes some useful information about immigration issues before Congress. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims is also available on-line.
Go to the USCIS website to find information on laws, regulations and interpretations controlling immigration and the work of the INS. Here, you can find the full text of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and any subsequent legislation that has affected it.
You can also learn how immigration laws are made and how regulations are developed. You can explore agency and judicial interpretations of those laws. You can also find handbooks and guides used by the INS in performing its mission as well as guides created to help you through the immigration process.