Individuals who wish to become U.S. citizens through naturalization submit their applications to USCIS. We determine eligibility, process the applications and, if approved, schedule the applicant for a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance. We also determine eligibility and provide documentation of U.S. citizenship for people who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents. (See the Citizenship page.)

We manage the process that allows current permanent residents and U.S. citizens to bring close relatives to live and work in the United States. (See the Family page.)

We manage the process that allows individuals from other countries to work in the United States. Some of the opportunities are temporary, and some provide a path to a Green Card (permanent residence). (See the Working in the U.S. page.)

We manage the system that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. (See the E-Verify page.)

We administer humanitarian programs that provide protection to individuals inside and outside the United States who are displaced by war, famine and civil and political unrest, and those who are forced to flee their countries to escape the risk of death and torture at the hands of persecutors. (See the Humanitarian page.)

We manage the first step in the process for U.S. citizens to adopt children from other countries. Approximately 20,000 adoptions take place each year. (See the Adoptions page.)

We promote instruction and training on citizenship rights and responsibilities and provide immigrants with the information and tools necessary to successfully integrate into American civic culture. (See the Citizenship page.)

The USCIS Genealogy Program is a fee-for-service program that provides researchers with timely access to historical immigration and naturalization records of deceased immigrants. (See the Genealogy page.)

Internal Links:

• USCIS Organizational Chart
• A Day in the Life of USCIS
• USCIS Plain Language Videos

External Links:

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Customs and Border Protection