U.S. immigration authorities have sharply changed how they review some family-based immigration cases. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a new policy guidance last week that took effect immediately on Aug. 5.
Under the revised guidance, officers must offer DNA testing as an option when documents proving a blood relationship are missing or judged unreliable. That is a change from the previous process, in which DNA testing could only be suggested after both primary documents, such as birth certificates, and secondary evidence had been reviewed.
USCIS said the revision is intended to make the review process more consistent. The change also reflects the Trump administration’s broader border security agenda, which directed the Department of Homeland Security to use all available technology and procedures to verify family relationships.
The new guidance applies not only to general immigration reviews, but also to refugee and asylum cases, family petitions, adoption reviews, verification of a U.S. citizen child’s status and naturalization procedures. USCIS said the policy covers all related applications now pending or newly filed with the agency.
