The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that there is updated policy guidance to coincide with revisions made to Form N-648, otherwise known as the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. If you are a naturalization applicant, continue reading to learn how these updates may impact you and how an experienced US naturalization lawyer in Milwaukee, WI at the Sesini Law Group, S.C., can walk you through Form N-648.
Why were there policy updates after the revision of Form N-648?
These revisions to Form N-648 are in response to the Biden Administration’s goal to remove barriers for naturalization applicants and medical professionals, as seen in President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.
In addition, Form N-648 was revised in response to the Biden Administration’s goal to remove barriers for underserved populations, as seen under President Biden’s Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial and Equity Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
With this, USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou stated, “This is a wonderful example of how USCIS is listening to the public it serves to better address their needs, while fulfilling our responsibilities as an agency. The changes made to Form N-648 are yet another way in which USCIS is removing barriers to naturalization, by President Biden’s Executive Order 14012 and Executive Order 13985.”
What policy updates came after the revision of Form N-648?
If you are a naturalization applicant with a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, this may prevent you from fulfilling the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization. In this case, you may file Form N-648 to request an exception to those requirements, and this must be completed and certified by a medical professional. Mainly, Form N-648 was revised in a way that is now shortened and simplified. On top of this, it now has new telehealth guidelines.
The most notable changes to Form N-648 include the following:
- The elimination of questions about how each relevant disability affects specific functions in your daily life (i.e., going to work or school).
- The elimination of dates of diagnosis, description of the severity of each disability, and whether the medical professional has a pre-existing relationship with you.
- The elimination of the need for separate medical documentation.
- The guidance for telehealth medical examinations.
- The acceptance of Form N-648 after you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
If you require additional assistance with navigating these updates, consult with a skilled N-400 application lawyer in Milwaukee, WI today.
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John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C., and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.