Conversation with Ombudsman Maria M. Odom on the 2015 Annual Report

The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) hosted a presentation by the US Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Ombudsman Maria M. Odom, on the Ombudsman’s 2015 Annual Report to Congress and issues related to the delivery of immigration benefits and services by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The program began with a public teleconference with Ombudsman Odom to discuss areas of focus in the 2015 Annual Report, including: quality and consistency in adjudications, delays in processing of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications, handling of Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions, provisional waivers, asylum backlogs, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and the H-2 Temporary Worker Programs. Ombudsman Odom also shared information about the work of the Department’s Blue Campaign, which raises awareness to combat human trafficking.

Following the teleconference, Ombudsman Odom led a roundtable discussion with stakeholders. She shared observations regarding trends in recent requests for case assistance and her office’s policy priorities. Participants spoke on their experiences with USCIS.

To download the 2015 Annual Report, visit http://www.dhs.gov/annual-report-congress.

Speakers
Maria M. Odom
US Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

Donald Kerwin
Executive Director
Center for Migration Studies

Elissa McGovern
Chief of Policy, Office of the Ombudsman
US Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services