New Rules for Citizenship in the U.S.: Changes in Disability Exemptions.

paola vanessa romero rondon
Jul 24
4 min read

The United States government, led by President Donald Trump, has introduced new policies that directly affect immigrants seeking citizenship. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office has modified the requirements for those who request a waiver of the English and civics exam due to disabilities. These measures seek to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the naturalization process.

¿What is Form N-648?

Form N-648, known as "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions", is a document that allows certain immigrants to request an exemption from the English and/or civics test required for naturalization. This form must be completed by a licensed medical professional who certifies that the applicant has a physical, developmental, or mental disability that prevents them from meeting these requirements.

Key Changes in USCIS Policy

1. Detailed Explanation Required

Previously, a simple medical statement could be sufficient to obtain the waiver. Now, USCIS requires the medical professional to provide a detailed explanation of how the applicant's disability prevents them from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and civics. This includes describing the diagnostic methods used and how the condition specifically affects the applicant's ability.

2. Review of Multiple N-648 Forms

If an applicant submits multiple Form N-648s, USCIS may consider this a sign of possible fraud or lack of credibility. Discrepancies between the forms must be adequately justified to avoid denial of the application.

3. Greater Discretion for USCIS Officers

USCIS officers now have more authority to request additional information or deny applications if they consider that the documentation submitted is insufficient or has inconsistencies.

Requirements to apply for the Waiver

To be eligible for the waiver through Form N-648, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

Have a physical, developmental, or mental disability that prevents them from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and civics.
The disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months.
The disability must not be the result of illegal drug use.
The form must be completed by a licensed physician in the U.S.

The tightening of policies means that applications that do not meet the new standards may be rejected. Furthermore, USCIS has reported that, between February and June, it has initiated deportation proceedings for more than 26,700 individuals after denying them immigration protections. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate.

Recommendations for applicants

Consult with a certified immigration lawyer: Avoid seeking advice from people who are not authorized to provide legal counsel in these cases.
Ensure that Form N-648 is complete and detailed: Include all necessary explanations and avoid omissions.
Submit the form together with the naturalization application (Form N-400): This facilitates the process and avoids delays.
Keep copies of all documentation submitted: This is useful in case USCIS requests additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

¿Can I file Form N-648 after submitting the naturalization application?

Yes, USCIS accepts Form N-648 even after Form N-400 has been filed, as long as a valid explanation for the delay is provided.

¿What happens if my application is denied?

If USCIS denies your application, it can initiate deportation proceedings. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate legal counsel and to ensure that all documentation is in order.

¿Can I use a previous version of Form N-648?

No. USCIS only accepts the most recent version of the form. Be sure to download the latest version from the official USCIS website.

The new policies implemented by the U.S. government seek to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process. For immigrants seeking citizenship, it is vital to be informed and to comply with all updated requirements. Having adequate legal counsel and submitting complete and accurate documentation can make the difference in the success of your application.

Note: This information is based on the policies in effect as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. To obtain the most up-to-date information, consult the official USCIS website or consult with a certified immigration attorney.

Source: La Opinión

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