USCIS Introduces E-Verify Self-Check System

USCIS has announced a voluntary service that allows members of the public to verify their employment eligibility in the United States. E-Verify Self Check may be useful to anyone who wishes to confirm that the government's records about them are accurate, and to address any mismatches among Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration databases. Once employment eligibility is confirmed in E-Verify Self Check, job seekers are unlikely to experience any delays when hired by an employer that uses the E-Verify system. 

Before the verification process is completed, individuals must answer a series of questions by a third party identity verification service. These questions are similar to those one would encounter when requesting a credit report, i.e., names of prior employers, prior addresses, amounts of car or mortgage payments, etc. USCIS states that none of the personal information from this "quiz" is stored in its records.

At this time, the service is only available to residents of Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Mississippi and Virginia. Once the initial trial period is completed, the service will be available to residents of additional states.

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Japanese Nationals in the US May Qualify for Special Immigration Benefits

USCIS has announced a range of benefits that may be available to Japanese nationals following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Those who are here on Visa Waiver, which requires departure within 90 days, may visit a local USCIS office (see USCIS Office Locator) for help in remaining longer. Those who are at US airports may visit the office of US Customs and Border Protection there. USCIS will approve changes of status and extensions that might not otherwise be approvable due to untimely filing or failure to maintain status. USCIS will also renew grants of parole, expedite applications for travel documents, expedite and approve applications for student employment authorization based on hardship and other employment authorization applications, and expedite processing of immediate relative petitions. USCIS will also coordinate with the State Department to help Japanese nationals who are permanent residents of the US and are stranded overseas without immigration documents.