Policy Memorandum November 7, 2011 PM-602-0050
NTA PM (Approved as final 11-7-11)
SUBJECT: Revised Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Removable Aliens
Purpose
This Policy Memorandum (PM) establishes new USCIS guidelines for referring cases and issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) in a manner that promotes the sound use of the resources of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to enhance national security, public safety, and the integrity of the immigration system. This PM supersedes Policy Memorandum No. 110, Disposition of Cases Involving Removable Aliens, dated July 11, 2006.
Scope
This PM applies to and is binding on all USCIS employees unless otherwise specifically provided in this PM.
Authority
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sections 101(a)(43), 103(a), 239, 240 and 318; Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR) parts/sections 2.1, 103, 204, 207.9, 208, 216.3(a), 216.6(a)(5), 236.14(c), and 239; Adjudicator’s Field Manual Chapter 10.11(a).
Background
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has authority, under the immigration laws, see, e.g., INA §§ 103(a), 239; 8 CFR §§ 2.1, 239.1, to issue Form I-862, Notice to Appear, to initiate removal proceedings. 1 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also have authority to issue NTAs. Accordingly, USCIS must ensure that its issuance of NTAs fits within and supports the Government’s overall removal priorities, while also ensuring that its NTA policies promote national security and the integrity of the nation’s immigration system.
To those ends, this PM identifies the circumstances under which USCIS will issue an NTA, or will refer the case to ICE for NTA issuance, in order to effectively handle cases that involve public safety threats, criminals, and aliens engaged in fraud.
Policy
I. National Security Cases
This PM does not affect the handling of cases involving national security concerns. 2 Guidance from the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) 3 will continue to govern the definition of these cases and the procedures for resolution and NTA issuance.
II. NTA Issuance Required by Statute or Regulation
USCIS will issue an NTA in the following circumstances: 4
A.Termination of Conditional Permanent Resident Status and Denials of Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence (8 CFR 216.3, 216.4, 216.5) 5
B. Denials of Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions (8 CFR 216.6)
C.Termination of refugee status by the District Director (8 CFR 207.9)
D.Denials of NACARA 202 and HRIFA adjustments
1. NACARA 202 adjustment denials (8 CFR 245.13(m));
2. HRIFA adjustment denials (8 CFR 245.15(r)(2)(i)).
E. Asylum 6 , NACARA 203, and Credible Fear cases: 7
1. Asylum referrals (8 CFR 208.14(c)(1));
2.Termination of asylum or termination of withholding of removal or deportation (8 CFR 208.24(e)); 8
3 Positive credible fear findings (8 CFR 208.30(f));
4. NACARA 203 cases where suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal is not granted, and the applicant does not have asylum status, or lawful immigrant or non-immigrant status (8 CFR 240.70(d)).
This PM does not apply to, or change, NTA or notification procedures for Temporary Protected Status cases. 9 Further, Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, processed under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), should continue to be processed under existing protocols. If the VAWA applicant’s Form I-485 is denied, this memorandum is applicable in terms of NTA issuance. 10
III. Fraud Cases with a Statement of Findings Substantiating Fraud
To protect the integrity of the immigration system and address fraud, USCIS will issue NTAs when a Statement of Findings (SOF) substantiating fraud is part of the record. 11 An NTA will be issued upon final adjudicative action on the petition and/or application or other appropriate eligibility determination. 12 NTAs will be issued even if the petition and/or application is denied for a ground other than fraud, such as lack of prosecution or abandonment, is terminated based on a withdrawal by the petitioner/applicant, or where an approval is revoked, so long as an SOF substantiating fraud is in the record.
The NTA should include the charge of fraud or misrepresentation, if possible. The appropriate charge(s) will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Consultation with local USCIS counsel to determine the appropriate charge(s) is recommended.
IV. Cases to be Referred to ICE for a Decision on NTA Issuance
A. Criminal Cases: Criminal aliens are a top immigration enforcement priority for the government. The following guidance recognizes the prioritization and requires USCIS to refer criminals to ICE for action or issue an NTA in accordance with this PM.
1.Egregious Public Safety (EPS) Cases
USCIS will refer all EPS cases, including cases with pending N-400s, to ICE prior to adjudicating the case even if USCIS can deny the petition and/or application on its merits. An EPS case is defined by USCIS and ICE as a case where information indicates the alien is under investigation for, has been arrested for (without disposition), or has been convicted of, any of the following:
a. Murder, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor as defined in section 101(a)(43)(A) of the INA.
b. Illicit trafficking in firearms or destructive devices as defined in section 101(a)(43)(C) of the INA.
c. Offenses relating to explosive materials or firearms as defined in section 101(a)(43)(E) of the INA.
d. Crimes of violence for which the term of imprisonment imposed, or where the penalty for a pending case, is at least one year as defined in section 101(a)(43)(F) of the INA.
e. An offense relating to the demand for, or receipt of, ransom as defined in section 101(a)(43)(H) of the INA.
f. An offense relating to child pornography as defined in section 101(a)(43)(I) of the INA.
g. An offense relating to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking in persons as defined in section 101(a)(43)(K)(iii) of the INA.
h. An offense relating to alien smuggling as described in section 101(a)(43)(N) of the INA
i. Human Rights Violators, known or suspected street gang members, or Interpol hits.
j. Re-entry after an order of exclusion, deportation or removal subsequent to conviction for a felony where a Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. after Deportation or Removal, has not been approved.
All EPS cases must be referred to ICE using the procedures outlined below. The case will be referred as soon as it is identified. ICE will have an opportunity to decide if, when, and how to issue an NTA and/or detain the alien. USCIS will not issue an NTA in these cases if ICE declines to issue an NTA. If some other basis unrelated to the EPS concern becomes apparent during the course of adjudication, an NTA may be issued in accordance with this memo.
Referral Process
This referral process is utilized in order to give ICE the opportunity to determine the appropriate course of action before USCIS adjudicates the case. A decision to issue an NTA may directly affect the processing of the pending petition and/or application. Upon issuing the Referral to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (RTI), USCIS will suspend adjudication for 60 days, or until ICE provides notification of its action on the case, whichever is earlier.
In response to the RTI –
1. ICE may issue an NTA. ICE’s issuance of an NTA allows USCIS to proceed with adjudication (unless jurisdiction transfers to EOIR or the pending application is an N-400), taking into account the basis for the NTA.
2. If ICE does not issue an NTA or otherwise provide notification of its action on the case within 60 days of the RTI, USCIS may resume its adjudication of the case, taking into account the referral grounds.
a. If the case is approvable, USCIS will consult with ICE prior to adjudication.
b. Once adjudicated, regardless of the decision, USCIS will notify ICE of the result by sending a copy of the original RTI to ICE with a cover memorandum advising of the outcome of the case.
EPS cases referred to ICE prior to adjudication should be called up and reviewed no later than 60 days after referral. Normally, the case should be adjudicated by USCIS. However, USCIS retains discretion to place the case on hold for more than 60 days if ICE requests additional time to conduct an investigation. 13
Office-Specific Processes
1. Cases to be adjudicated by Service Centers and the National Benefits Center. Adjudication will be suspended and the case will immediately be sent to the appropriate Service Center Background Check Unit (BCU). The BCU will refer the case to the ICE Benefit Fraud Unit (BFU) via an RTI. A hard copy of the RTI will be placed in the A-file and/or receipt file. The BCU will retain the file unless ICE requests it or the 60 days expire.
2. Cases to be adjudicated by Field Offices. The Immigration Services Officer (ISO) will suspend adjudication and the case will immediately be referred to the local ICE Special Agent in Charge (SAC) via an RTI. A hard copy of the RTI will be placed in the A-file and/or receipt file. A copy of the RTI must also be sent to the ICE BFU. USCIS will retain the file unless ICE requests the file for their review.
An RTI should include any relevant attachments that USCIS has at the time, such as a copy of the RAP sheet and a copy of the petition and/or application.
2. Non-Egregious Public Safety Criminal Cases
If it appears that the alien is inadmissible or removable for a criminal offense not included on the EPS list, USCIS will complete the adjudication and then refer the case to ICE. This section applies to N-400 cases if the N-400 has been denied on good moral character (GMC) grounds based on the criminal offense. 14 ICE will decide if, and how, it will institute removal proceedings and whether or not it will detain the alien. USCIS will not issue an NTA if ICE declines to issue an NTA.
If some other basis unrelated to the criminal offense becomes apparent upon return of the case to USCIS, an NTA may be issued in accordance with this memo.
Referral Process
The referral process is used to allow ICE to make a determination whether to issue an NTA, based on the totality of circumstances and its priorities. ICE will determine the appropriate grounds for removal if an NTA is issued.
Once adjudication is complete, USCIS will send an RTI to ICE. USCIS will concurrently transmit a copy of the RTI to ICE Headquarters (HQ) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Criminal Alien Division for statistical monitoring purposes. If there is any confusion or uncertainty about classifying a case as egregious versus non-egregious, the USCIS ISO should refer the matter as an EPS case using the process described above.
The accompanying A-file will be referred to ICE with the RTI, if the file is in the possession of the referring USCIS office or center. If the file is not at the referring USCIS office or center, the RTI should include any relevant attachments that USCIS has, such as a copy of the RAP sheet and a copy of the petition and/or application. Where USCIS obtained certified conviction records through normal processing of the case, USCIS will include the records with the RTI, but it will not hold the RTI on a completed case solely to obtain disposition records. Instead ICE will decide whether, and how, it will obtain such records as part of its decision to issue an NTA.
Office-Specific Processes
1. Cases adjudicated by Service Centers and the National Benefits Center. Once adjudication is completed, if the alien is removable on a criminal charge, regardless of the reason for the denial, the file will be referred to the BCU. The BCU will refer the case, along with the A-file and/or receipt file, to the appropriate ERO Field Office Director (FOD) via an RTI.
2. Cases adjudicated by Field Offices. Once adjudication is completed, if the alien is removable on a criminal charge, regardless of the reason for the denial, USCIS will prepare an RTI and refer the case, along with the A-file and/or receipt file, to the local ERO FOD.
B. National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Violator Cases
USCIS will refer all cases in which an application is denied based on an NSEERS violation to ICE for possible NTA issuance.
V. Cases Involving Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
The following guidance applies to the issuance of NTAs in cases in which applicants for naturalization are removable. There are two primary situations in which NTAs may be issued in connection with a filed Form N-400. If the N-400 case involves fraud (documented in the SOF) the procedures found in this section must be followed, rather than the procedures found in Section III (Fraud Cases with a Statement of Findings Substantiating Fraud). However, the below guidance does not apply to EPS cases. EPS cases must be referred in accordance with Section IV.A.1 (Egregious Public Safety Cases) of this memo. Additionally, the below guidance does not apply to non-EPS criminal cases when the N-400 can be denied on GMC grounds based on the criminal act. These cases must be denied and referred in accordance with Section IV.A.2 (Non-Egregious Public Safety Criminal Cases).
A.The first situation occurs when the applicant may be eligible to naturalize but is also deportable under section 237 of the INA. Examples include applicants convicted of aggravated felonies prior to November 29, 1990, or applicants convicted of deportable offenses after obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status that do not fall within the GMC period. The ISO should:
1. Make a written recommendation on the issuance of an NTA through a review of the totality of the circumstances to include factors such as: severity of crime, time since crime committed, other criminal conduct, reformation, immigration history including method of entry, length of presence in the U.S., and prior immigration violations, and contributions to society to include the pursuit of education and military service. 15
2. Once the ISO has made a recommendation on whether or not to issue an NTA, the case should be forwarded to the N-400 NTA Review Panel (Review Panel), along with the written recommendation. A Review Panel must be formed in each Field Office and include a local Supervisory Immigration Services Officer (SISO), a local USCIS Office of Chief Counsel attorney, and a district representative. An attorney from ICE’s local Office of Chief Counsel will be invited to participate and will have an advisory role on the panel. The Review Panel will make the final determination on NTA issuance. If consensus cannot be reached by the Review Panel, the case will be elevated to the District Director, through the district representative, for a final decision.
3. If the Review Panel decides to issue an NTA, place the N-400 on hold until removal proceedings have concluded. Once proceedings have concluded, or if the Review Panel declines to issue an NTA, adjudicate the case appropriately.
B. The second situation occurs when it is determined that the applicant was inadmissible at the time of adjustment or admission to the United States, thus deportable under section 237 of the INA and not eligible for naturalization under section 318 of the INA. 16 The ISO should:
1. Make a written recommendation on the issuance of an NTA through a review of the totality of the circumstances to include factors such as: willfulness of actions, fraud factors, length of LPR status, criminal history, and officer error at time of adjustment.
2. Once the ISO has made a recommendation on the issuance of the NTA, the case should be forwarded to the Review Panel (see Section V.A.2), along with the written recommendation. The Review Panel will make the final determination on NTA issuance. If consensus cannot be reached by the Review Panel, the case will be elevated to the District Director, through the district representative, for a final decision.
3. If the Review Panel decides to issue an NTA, place the N-400 on hold until removal proceedings have concluded. Once removal proceedings have concluded, adjudicate the case appropriately. If the Review Panel declines to issue an NTA, deny the case under section 318 of the INA.
VI. Other Cases
A. An alien may request NTA issuance to renew an application for adjustment or in certain cases with a denied N-400. The request must be made in writing. 17
B. An asylum applicant issued an NTA may request NTA issuance for family members not included on the asylum application as dependents for family unification purposes. The request must be made in writing. 18
VII. Exceptions
Exceptions to the guidance in this PM require concurrence from Regional or Center Directors, who will consult with ICE before issuing an NTA.
VIII. Coordination with ICE
According to the June 2011 ICE memo regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion consistent with priorities, 19 USCIS will receive notice before an ICE attorney exercises prosecutorial discretion and dismisses, suspends, or closes a case. The local N-400 NTA Review Panel will work with ICE to come to a resolution if USCIS does not agree with ICE’s use of prosecutorial discretion in a particular case. If concurrence cannot be reached, the case should be elevated to the USCIS Office of Chief Counsel in headquarters.
Implementation
Each field office must form an N-400 NTA Review Panel and create a process to complete RTIs and refer EPS and non-EPS criminal cases to ICE. A written list enumerating the members of the Review Panel and a document outlining the process of referral must be sent to the appropriate district office within 30 days of the issuance of this memorandum.
Use
This PM is intended solely for the guidance of USCIS personnel in the performance of their official duties. It is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law, or by any individual or other party in removal proceedings, in litigation with the United States, or in any other form or manner.
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1 Delegation by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Delegation Number 0150.1; Paragraph 2(N). However, international District Directors and officers are not authorized to issue NTAs.
2 National Security Cases include cases involving Terrorist Related Grounds of Inadmissibility (TRIG) pursuant to sections 212(a)(3)(B) and 212(a)(3)(F) of the INA.
3 See, e.g., Policy for Vetting and Adjudicating Cases with National Security Concerns (April 11, 2008).
4 If any Form I-751 or I-829 cases are also Egregious Public Safety cases, they will be referred to ICE in accordance with Section IV.A.1 of this PM.
5 See the October 9, 2009 internal memo, Adjudication of Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Where the CPR Has a Final Order of Removal, Is in Removal Proceedings, or Has Filed an Unexcused Untimely Petition or Multiple Petitions. See also the April 3, 2009 memo, I-751 Filed Prior to Termination of Marriage.
6 USCIS may issue an NTA when an asylum applicant withdraws his or her asylum application.
7 This memo does not apply to the Asylum Division’s issuance of Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, to certain stowaways, crewmembers, and VWP individuals who are requesting asylum or withholding of removal; reasonable fear screenings and negative credible fear screenings.
8 See also section 208(c)(3) of the INA describing removal when asylum is terminated.
9 See the September 12, 2003 internal memo, Service Center Issuance of Notice to Appear (Form I-862).
10 When making determinations, employees must keep in mind USCIS’s obligations under 8 USC § 1367, which prohibits the release of any information, outside of DHS, relating to aliens who are seeking or have been approved for immigration benefit(s) under the provisions for battered spouses, children, and parents in the Violence Against Women Act.
11 Alternatively, ICE will determine whether to issue the NTA if a criminal investigation is conducted, fraud is found, and the investigation results in criminal prosecution.
12 This includes, but is not limited to, aliens that were granted asylum status by USCIS, adjusted to Lawful Permanent Resident status, presented fraud indicators, were subject to the Post Adjustment Eligibility Review (PAER) process in an Asylum Office, and met the PAER criteria for NTA issuance.
13 Pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.13(d), USCIS must complete processing of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within 90 days or issue an interim EAD card valid up to 240 days. Officers should be mindful of this regulatory timeframe when cases with a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, are referred to ICE.
14 See Section V of this memo addressing N-400 cases.
15 Additional factors to be taken under consideration can be found in the June 17, 2011 ICE memo, Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion Consistent with the Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities of the Agency for the Apprehension, Detention, and Removal of Aliens.
16 In the Third Circuit only (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), based on the holding in Garcia v. Att’y Gen., 553 F.3d 724 (3d Cir. 2009), if the alien has been an LPR for at least five years, the alien cannot be placed in removal proceedings for fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact at time of adjustment, if USCIS could have learned of the fraud or misrepresentation through reasonable diligence before the five year rescission period expired. Please consult with USCIS counsel if there are questions regarding the applicability of this precedent.
17 USCIS retains discretion to deny a request. USCIS should consider ICE actions and determinations when making an NTA issuance decision under this section.
18 USCIS retains discretion to deny a request.
19 Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion Consistent with the Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities of the Agency for the Apprehension, Detention, and Removal of Aliens, signed June 17, 2011.
