About The Office of Fraud Detection and National Security

The Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) is a division within USCIS National Security and Records Verification Directorate (NSRV).  FDNS was created in 2004 to enhance the quality, integrity, and security of the U.S. legal immigration system.  FDNS’ primary mission is to detect, deter, and combat immigration benefit fraud and to strengthen USCIS’ efforts aimed at ensuring benefits are not granted to persons who threaten national security or public safety.  FDNS is USCIS’ primary conduit to the law enforcement and intelligence communities.  Adjudications officers collaborate with FDNS officers who in turn, work in collaboration with DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and if pertinent, with other federal, state, and local government offices to bring suspected cases to conclusion, i.e., criminal prosecution or administrative sanctions. 

FDNS has four branches

• Fraud Detection Branch:  Responsible for developing and overseeing anti-fraud policies and procedures, detecting fraudulent immigration activities, and identifying fraudulent benefit applications.
• National Security Branch: Responsible for developing and overseeing national security policies and procedures and resolving national security concerns with the law enforcement and intelligence communities.
• Intelligence Branch: Responsible for the collection, analysis, and sharing of information, as well as coordination of information and activities with the law enforcement and intelligence communities.
• Mission Support Branch: Responsible for providing administrative support by performing functions such as, strategic planning and analysis, budget and finance, property and procurement, human resources, facilities, and systems support.

FDNS is a developing operation. By 2009, it will have a workforce of approximately 650 officers throughout the U.S. and in selected offices overseas.

Related Files

• Office of Fraud Detection and National Security Fact Sheet (40KB PDF)