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Office of Congressional Relations (OCR)

Mission: The mission of OCR is to serve U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through congressional activities on behalf of the Director, the Executive Staff, Regional and District Directors, and all employees of the USCIS. The Director places the highest priority on providing professional customer service to Members of Congress and their staff on issues related to Congressional inquiries, concerns and oversight. It is OCR's primary purpose to provide an effective liaison with Congress regarding immigration laws, regulations, USCIS policies and programs. All efforts are in partnership with appropriate Executive Branch components and in coordination with the Director and the Executive Staff.

Organizational Structure: OCR is organized under the Office of the Director, and is supervised by a Chief. OCR consists of two branches:

  • Congressional Operations Branch - responsible for maintaining professional liaison with Congressional offices, and providing timely written and telephonic responses to Congressional inquiries concerning casework and technical issues. This branch is also responsible for the office's internal and external congressional communication initiatives.
  • Congressional Legislative Branch - responsible for liaison with Members of Congress and their staff on a broad range of immigration-related operations, programs and policies of mutual interest and for preparing for congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings. The Legislative Branch is also responsible for analysis and coordination of policy issues pertaining to federal legislation. This branch works closely with USCIS program areas in the development of language, policy issues, and implementation efforts regarding federal legislation. This branch is also responsible for developing and maintaining educational processes to keep Congressional Members informed of critical issues, concerns, and performance of the agency.

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