Category Archives: Immigration News

Current US immigration and visa news and developments

DNA Testing May Be Required For US Immigration

History clearly tells that immigration was not as we know it today. For many, being a citizen of the United States came naturally when their forefathers walked into the country via the New York Harbor. More than twelve million migrants have been assessed and permitted to walk in to the United States in the last sixty two years since the country’s immigration department has offered its services. This is as per the Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation. These immigrants had to undergo a physical examination which was followed by identity verification. Of these, around ninety eight percent were granted permission to enter the country.

The concept of DNA testing was alien to the authorities then. The Bureau of Immigration was accountable for matching identities and ensuring that the right people have been allowed to pass through. They had to question the migrants and contrast their answers with the questionnaire that has been filled in prior.

However, with changing times and with the advent of technology, the mode of assessment has become sleeker than ever. With this, the department also emerged to be known as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or commonly known as the USCIS. Today, the USCIS asks for a proof that could be verified better for an individual’s identity before granting a permit to enter.

Today, there are many ways to gain a permit to enter the United States. One such method is through having family relations. Immediate blood relatives such as those of parents, siblings or children who are US citizens could be verified for. In such a case, the US citizen is known as the petitioner and the foreign relative is called as the beneficiary. Here, evidence proving the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary has to be produced. This proof can be in the form of birth certificates, census or school records or any form of documentation which is relevant.

It is also agreed that there are instances where it is difficult to find any form of documentation. In fact, a fire led to the complete destruction of the first ever immigration records that were stored at the Ellis Island processing facility. Records that have been lost or misplaced due to natural disasters or due to negligent officials are common.

To cater to the above problem, the USCIS has come up with a more sound system of identity verification. And so came in the concept of DNA testing to state a particular blood relationship.

No other form of assessment can be better at judging the blood ties between any two individuals. Any accredited laboratory under the American Association of Blood Banks is capable of proving the relationship with an accuracy of ninety nine percent. Thus, a DNA test is best form of testing which makes the process of verification very precise. This test is required as evidence in case of sponsoring foreign nationals.

The test is a painless process where in a sample of the petitioner and the beneficiary’s DNA is taken. These samples are tested at specific laboratories that are designated by the USCIS. The results are then forwarded to the office of the Homeland Security. These reports act as proof for both the USCIS and the Department of State to verify the applicants.


Guest Post Author
Ajay Sharma

H1B Visa News March 2010

So we are now just over 3 weeks away till the FY2011 H1B visa season begins again in earnest on April 1, 2010 when the USCIS is open to receive applications. Since January we covered extensively on the upcoming H1B visa season as well a recent look back on the FY2010 H1B visa season which only recently concluded in December, 2009 to help everyone gain perspective on what is to come this year.

So to recap so far this year we have given all foreigners information on;

H1B Application Filing Tips
H1B Visa Quota Predictions
H1B Visa Costs and Fees
H1B Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions & Myths
H1B Visa Statistics
F1 Visa OPT Applicants hoping to transfer to an H1B visa
H1B visa extension procedures with a pending Green Card PERM application
H1B Important Supporting Documents for your Petition
Review of an H1B Visa Support Site

Also in the past we have a couple of other posts that may be of reference for the upcoming season;

Do you need a lawyer for your H1B visa process
Top H1B visa employers from last year
Green Card & H1B Visa Relationship
H1B visa Deportation cases

We hope all the above information helps make the process as easy and successful as possible for you this visa season and you are starting work in the US without issue with your new employer on October 1, 2010.

There will be a lot of media stories regarding US Immigration leading up to the opening on April 1, 2010 as well as throughout the month and probably into May as well. This is due to Immigration reform slowly becoming a major topic in US political circles. Try not to believe all the hyperbole you hear as most of it is just hearsay or just plain myths as we highlight in the link above.

Finally during this time ensure you ask all the questions you feel you need too because in the end the only person completely caring about your total welfare and situation 100% is you. So follow up with your employer’s HR department, your immigration lawyers if you are using them and anyone else that is involved in your process. Ensure you fully understand concepts like H1B application premium processing and the F1 visa / H1B visa gap period as they may apply to your situation

Good Luck,

CJ