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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced last Friday an update to its policies regarding the use of Form N-648, which is used by foreign nationals applying for disability exemptions from naturalization requirements, such as the English language or the civics test.
According to the federal agency's explanation on its website, the changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the process, combat fraud in medical certifications, and ensure that only those who legitimately meet the established requirements gain access to citizenship.
"for decades, cases have been reported across the country where the medical certification process has been exploited. When a professional issues a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the exception but also jeopardizes the credibility of the naturalization system," USCIS warned in its official statement.
From now on, medical professionals completing Form N-648 will need to specify how the disability specifically prevents the applicant from meeting the English and civics requirements.
The mere presence of a disability will no longer be enough to obtain the exemption, as inferred from the publication.
Additionally, USCIS warns that the simultaneous submission of multiple N-648 forms may raise questions about the veracity of the applications and will be subject to further review.
This adjustment takes effect immediately and applies to all naturalization applications submitted on or after June 13, 2025, according to Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual, in support of Executive Orders 14148 and 14159.
To become naturalized in the U.S., applicants must demonstrate a basic command of the English language and knowledge of the country's history, civic principles, and form of government.
However, those with medically determinable physical or mental disabilities, with an expected duration of at least 12 months, may qualify for this exception, provided it is properly justified and documented.
In early January 2025, the immigration debate in the United States intensified with legal warnings regarding the use of advance parole, a temporary travel permit issued by USCIS.
Attorney Ismael Labrador warned about the legal risks of traveling to Cuba without permanent residency, emphasizing that this practice could be interpreted as abandonment of the immigration process and could lead to deportation.
In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at denying birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants.
The measure aimed to reinterpret the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,making it more difficult for those affected to access official documents and basic rights.
Days later, Federal Judge John Coughenour temporarily blocked Trump's executive order, stating that it violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Certification Controls in the U.S. Naturalization Process.
Why did USCIS tighten controls on medical certifications for naturalization?
The USCIS has tightened controls to combat fraud in medical certifications and ensure that only those who genuinely meet the requirements gain access to citizenship. The measure aims to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process after detecting cases of system exploitation for decades.
What are the new requirements to obtain a disability exemption in the naturalization process in the U.S.?
Medical professionals must detail how the disability prevents the applicant from meeting the English and civics requirements. The mere presence of a disability is no longer sufficient to obtain the exemption, and well-documented medical justification is required.
Since when have these changes been applied to the naturalization process with disability exemptions?
These changes apply to all naturalization applications submitted on or after June 13, 2025. The adjustment takes effect immediately, in support of Executive Orders 14148 and 14159.
What are the implications of submitting multiple N-648 forms for the same applicant?
The simultaneous submission of multiple N-648 forms may raise questions regarding the authenticity of the applications and will be a cause for additional review by immigration authorities. USCIS warns that such a situation could jeopardize the credibility of the process.
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