USCIS, Department of Homeland Security reopens 5,600 refugee cases in Minnesota
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun reexamining 5,600 refugee cases located in Minnesota.
On January 9, the federal agency launched Operation PARRIS with the Department of Homeland Security. Short for “Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening,” the program will re-examine the the cases of refugees who have not received a Green Card yet through:
- Additional background checks,
- Reinterviews, and
- Merit reviews.
USCIS’s newly established vetting center, which opened on December 9, will lead the investigations. According to the federal agency’s news release, cases that are found in violation will be forwarded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Operation PARRIS aligns with several federal initiatives that call for increased scrutiny of foreign nationals. USCIS cites this program as part of its broader efforts to implement Executive Order 14161 and Presidential Proclamation 10949.
What Operation PARRIS means for foreign nationals living in the U.S.
Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says that while most foreign nationals are not currently impacted by Operation PARRIS, they may see this program get expanded into other areas in immigration. “USCIS has already expressed that it wants to increase vetting for all foreign nationals, not just refugees,” she says. “Now’s the time to pay close attention to these updates, especially if your case gets reopened.”
For those affected by Operation PARRIS, Urizar recommends:
- Finding legal representation: An immigration attorney can walk you through what to expect, as well as how to respond to an RFE.
- Keeping an eye on any notices from USCIS: If you receive a court date or reinterview appointment notice, you must attend, or you could potentially lose your status.
- Waiting before making any sudden immigration decisions: If you receive a Notice of Intent to Revoke, you may be able to appeal through an immigration judge.
Resources related to USCIS policy updates:
