Privacy PIA USCIS Camino

Privacy Impact Assessment
for the

Case and Activity Management for
International Operations (CAMINO)
DHS/USCIS/PIA-051
May 26, 2015
Contact Point
Donald Hawkins
Privacy Officer
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
(202) 272-8000
Reviewing Official
Karen L. Neuman
Chief Privacy Officer
Department of Homeland Security
(202) 343-1717

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Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) developed the Case and Activity Management for International Operations (CAMINO)
system to support the USCIS Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate’s (RAIO)
International Operations (IO) Division and, in certain cases, the Refugee Affairs Division (RAD).
CAMINO is a secure, web-based, case management application designed to facilitate the processing
of immigration applications and petitions received or adjudicated by RAIO IO. This Privacy Impact
Assessment (PIA) discusses the USCIS system used to support RAIO IO and evaluates the privacy
risks and mitigation strategies built into the system. USCIS is conducting this PIA because
CAMINO collects and uses personally identifiable information (PII).

Overview
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Refugee, Asylum, and
International Operations Directorate (RAIO), International Operations (IO) Division is charged
with advancing the USCIS mission in the international arena. USCIS IO offices are located both
overseas and domestically. 1 RAIO IO provides subject matter expertise on immigration-related
matters, grants various immigration and citizenship benefits, and ensures the integrity of the U.S.
immigration system for its overseas customers.
IO staff adjudicate a wide variety of petitions and applications (applications) and issue
travel documents to overseas customers. In addition to assisting overseas applicants applying for
travel documents to enter the United States, IO staff also assist:

1

•

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPR), asylees, and refugees who wish to bring
relatives to the United States;

•

Individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution and wish to resettle in the United
States;

•

U.S. citizens who wish to adopt internationally;

•

Individuals who cannot immigrate to the United States for specific reasons and who wish to
have those reasons waived;

•

Members of the U.S. military and their families who wish to become U.S. citizens;

The IO workforce includes two main components: International offices and 25 overseas Field Offices and Domestic
Offices, as well as IO Headquarters in Washington, D.C. with satellite offices in Miami, Florida, and Anaheim,
California. The three overseas District Offices are: Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean; Asia/Pacific; and
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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•

Individuals who may qualify to enter the United States because they are recognized by U.S.
law as being members of specific categories with a special need, such as widows or
widowers of U.S. citizens;

•

Individuals who request permission to enter the United States temporarily for urgent
humanitarian reasons or reasons of significant public benefit; 2

•

LPRs who have traveled internationally and have lost their green cards; and

•

LPRs who wish to abandon their permanent resident status in the United States.

Management of International Operations Cases
CAMINO is a person-centric case management system used to administer, track, and
adjudicate applications filed with or processed by USCIS IO offices under IO jurisdiction with an
international nexus. IO staff use CAMINO to manage the following application adjudication
process: (1) Receipting and Acceptance Processing; (2) General Adjudication Procedures; (3)
Security Screening Checks; (4) Interview; (5) Decision Case Action; and (6) Post-Adjudication.
1. Receipting and Acceptance Processing
When an IO office receives an application, IO staff conduct a preliminary review of the
application to verify the following requirements: completed basic biographical information,
jurisdiction, signature on the form, whether a correct fee has been paid (if applicable), and basic
eligibility of the individual. USCIS rejects improperly filed applications, when applicable, with a
written explanation as to why the application was rejected and any corrective action needed.
IO staff enter information about the applicant, petitioner, sponsor, and beneficiary from
accepted applications into CAMINO. CAMINO then aggregates all previous cases associated with
the individual within CAMINO and presents it to the IO staff in a single view. CAMINO provides a
view of the individual’s identity, immigration status, past applications adjudicated by IO since the
implementation of CAMINO, and results of previous background identity and security checks. IO
staff notifies the individual that USCIS received his or her application and is processing it by a
CAMINO-generated receipt letter. This notice is saved in the case record in CAMINO.
CAMINO currently manages many types of application and petition forms, each with its
own unique requirements and data elements. 3 CAMINO is configured to collect certain data
elements based on the specific type of application. Data elements may include: full name, alias(es),
2

The Secretary of Homeland Security may “in his discretion parole into the United States temporarily […] for urgent
humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit any alien applying for admission to the United States.” Immigration
and Nationality Act § 212(d)(5), 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(5). See also 8 CFR § 212.5(b). USCIS, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) share jurisdiction to adjudicate requests
for parole, to include parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. More information is
available at http://www.ice.gov/doclib/foia/reports/parole-authority-moa-9-08.pdf.
3
See Appendix A for a full list of applications processed by CAMINO.

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physical and mailing address, phone numbers, e-mail address, current immigration status,
citizenship, nationality, birth date, birth city, birth country, Social Security number (SSN), Alien
Number (A-Number), passport number, and gender.
2. Adjudication Procedures
During the adjudication process, IO staff review all case-related information provided by the
applicant and, if applicable, in the applicant’s Alien File (A-File) to verify the identity and benefit
eligibility of the applicant. 4
Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation is the initial evidence that USCIS requires as proof of
identification and as justification of eligibility for a benefit. Examples of supporting documentation
include copies of civil documents such as birth, marriage, or adoption certificates; divorce decrees;
affidavits of financial support; or school records. Certain applications require applicants to provide
credible evidence establishing a relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. 5
IO staff examine the application package to ensure all supporting documents are present. In
situations in which evidence is missing or all required initial evidence is submitted but does not
establish eligibility, USCIS may request that the applicant supply additional information through a
Request of Evidence (RFE) 6 or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) 7 for continued processing. 8 IO
staff use CAMINO to generate and store most RFEs and NOIDs. If an applicant or petitioner does
not respond to the RFE or NOID by the required date, 9 USCIS may deny the application as
abandoned or deny the application on the record. 10
4

An A-File is a series of records maintained on an individual that document his or her history of interaction with
USCIS, CBP, and ICE as prescribed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other regulations regarding
immigration benefits. See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of
Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov. 21, 2013).
5
See, e.g., Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; Form I-131, Application for Travel Document; Form I-360, Petition
for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant; Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative;
Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility; Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition,
available at www.uscis.gov.
6
USCIS uses an RFE when an application lacks required documentation or the IO employee needs additional evidence
to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought. The request will indicate what evidence or information is
needed for USCIS to fully evaluate the application or petition under review.
7
A NOID is a formal statement from USCIS that it has determined that the applicant is ineligible for the immigrant
benefit requested. The issuance of a NOID is required when derogatory information is uncovered during the course of
the adjudication that is not known to the individual, according to 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(16). However, USCIS will grant the
applicant an opportunity to overcome this determination and demonstrate that he or she is eligible.
8
See 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(8).
9
Generally, the standard maximum response time is 12 weeks (84 days). IO staff, in his or her discretion, may reduce
the standard response time only after obtaining supervisory concurrence. This discretion is be used on a case-by-case
basis when warranted by circumstances as determined by the IO officer and the supervisor.
10
Individuals may submit a motion to reopen, which is a request for USCIS to review a decision. If the underlying
application was denied due to abandonment (e.g., failure to respond timely to an RFE or a NOID), a motion to reopen

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DNA Testing
In situations in which credible evidence is insufficient to prove a claimed biological
relationship, 11 IO staff may suggest deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing through an RFE. 12 USCIS
has no statutory or regulatory authority to require DNA testing. Although USCIS may not require
DNA testing, USCIS may suggest DNA testing, which may be completed at the option of the
applicant to validate a claimed parent-child relationship in support of immigration benefits.13
Individuals who opt to submit DNA in response to a USCIS RFE are responsible for arranging the
DNA test with a lab accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
Once testing is completed, AABB-accredited laboratories send all test results directly to the
USCIS office that suggested the testing and to the petitioner that initiated the testing with the
laboratory in the United States. The IO staff enter the following results information into CAMINO:
(1) nature of the relationship being tested; (2) laboratory that performed the test; (3) date the test
was requested; (4) date the DNA sample was taken; (5) date the DNA result was received; (6) result
(confirmed or not confirmed); and (7) conclusiveness (probability of claimed parent-child
relationship as expressed as a percentage) of the results. USCIS requires that the results must be
99.5% or higher to conclusively establish the parent-child relationship. USCIS only receives and
retains data about DNA test results, limited to the information described above. USCIS does not
receive, store, or share any other DNA information. USCIS neither requests nor collects the actual
DNA. USCIS only uses the DNA results to verify claimed biological parent-child relationships.
DNA testing is voluntary; however, individuals who choose not to provide DNA samples
may be unable to establish the qualifying relationship necessary to obtain the immigration benefit if
may be filed if it can be shown that the requested evidence was not material, the required initial evidence was submitted
with the application, the applicant complied with USCIS’ request for appearance or additional evidence during the
allotted period, or the request for evidence or appearance was not sent to the address of record.
11
USCIS verifies family relationships by examining documents, primarily civil records such as birth and marriage
certificates and divorce and adoption decrees; in some cases USCIS may interview petitioners or intended beneficiaries.
However, there may be instances when these verification measures are insufficient, such as when there is no
documentary evidence available.
12
See 8 CFR §§ 103.2(b)(2)(i), 204.2(d)(2)(v); see also Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), Chapter 21.2(d)(1)(B),
available at www.uscis.gov.
13
An American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)-accredited laboratory uses a mouth swab to collect a DNA
sample of an individual located in the United States. If an individual who needs to be tested is located overseas, the
AABB-accredited laboratory sends a test kit to the USCIS overseas field office, or in the case in which USCIS is not
present, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in an envelope sealed with security tape. A panel physician or other
organization designated by the U.S. Embassy or USCIS office with jurisdiction over that individual’s residence collects
the DNA sample by mouth swab. When USCIS has an office overseas, USCIS serves as a witness overseeing the
sample collection. When USCIS does not have an office overseas, the Department of State (DOS) serves as the witness
overseeing the DNA sample collection. This oversight includes maintaining the chain of custody of the test kit and the
collected DNA sample until the sample is mailed to the appropriate AABB-accredited lab chosen by the applicant or
petitioner for parentage testing. USCIS personnel log in CAMINO and on the AABB-accredited lab’s chain-of-custody
forms the key steps taken to maintain proper chain-of-custody, including the receipt and secured storage of the test kit
and mailing of the DNA sample back to the AABB-accredited lab for testing.

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they are unable to present sufficient evidence to establish a requisite biological relationship in the
absence of DNA results. The failure to provide DNA results in those circumstances may delay a
final decision or result in denial of the benefit request.
A-File Review
IO staff may retrieve and review an applicant’s A-File when adjudicating an application. IO
staff may consolidate the application, supplemental documentation, and any other case information
into the applicant’s A-File. IO staff may also use the A-File to determine if the applicant has had
prior involvement with USCIS or DHS Components. The A-File documents an individual’s benefits
and law enforcement transactions as he or she passes through the U.S. immigration and inspection
process. This information may contain information relevant to establishing eligibility for the
immigration benefit.
3. Security Screening Checks 14
All individuals submitting applications to USCIS for immigration benefits may be subject to
criminal and national security background checks to ensure eligibility for the requested benefit and
to ensure that they do not pose a threat to public safety or the national security of the United States.
USCIS conducts background and security checks before making a decision on the application.
IO staff performs background checks by querying a number of USCIS, DHS, and other U.S.
Government systems. 15 The background checks allow the IO staff to determine if there are criminal
or security-related issues in the applicant’s background that may affect his or her eligibility for
immigration benefits. IO staff enters background check results into CAMINO. This information
includes: source and date of the background check, whether the check returned any derogatory
results, whether those results were resolved, and expiration date of the results. CAMINO does not
communicate directly with any external background check systems. All background check results
are either initiated through manual or electronic processes. Once received, IO staff manually
records background check results (including source and date of the background check, whether the
check returned any derogatory results, whether those results were resolved, and expiration date of
the results) in CAMINO. A summary of the background checks may also be printed and stored in
an A-File if required by standard operating procedures.
4. Interview
USCIS conducts interviews for certain applications as part of the benefit adjudication
process. An applicant may be required to appear for an interview at an international office. IO staff
use CAMINO to track the date and status of interview appointments and generate interview notices.
14

See DHS/USCIS/PIA-033 Immigration Benefits Background Check Systems (IBBCS), available at
www.dhs.gov/privacy for more information about the USCIS security screening process.
15
See Appendix C for a list of DHS, USCIS, and U.S. Government systems used to conduct background checks as well
as a full description of each background check.

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Each interview appointment is linked to the applicant’s record. CAMINO stores the following
information about the applicant’s interview: date, time, location, status, notice sent date, and access
secured (i.e., whether the applicant has been granted access to the Embassy or Consulate, if
required). For certain applications, USCIS may also store an interview worksheet in CAMINO. IO
staff mails the Interview Notice to the applicant and, if applicable, his or her representative.
Interview information is also added to the A-File if required by case adjudication standard operating
procedures.
5. Case Decision
After all the above steps, IO staff makes a determination on the application. IO staff may
grant, deny, or revoke an immigration benefit. IO staff may also allow the applicant or petitioner to
withdraw their request for the benefit. In certain circumstances, an application for an immigration
benefit may also be administratively closed. Case decision actions are tracked and recorded in
CAMINO. During the decision-making process, the following may occur:
•

USCIS approves the application and issues an approval letter;

•

USCIS issues a RFE and NOID to request additional information needed to adjudicate the
application;

•

USCIS denies the application and issues a denial letter detailing the decision and the reason
for the decision is issued;

•

USCIS revokes the benefit and issues a revocation letter detailing the decision is issued; 16

•

USCIS issues a notice to acknowledge the withdrawal of the benefit request; or

•

USCIS administratively closes the application and issues a letter detailing why the letter
issued.

For most applications, CAMINO generates and maintains notices of decisions to applicants for
future reference. USCIS consolidates notices sent to the applicant and his or her representative into
the A-File. Final decisions are also manually recorded in primary USCIS case management systems
including Computer Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS) 3 and
CLAIMS 4. 17

16

See 8 CFR § 205.2.
See DHS/USCIS/PIA-016 Benefits Processing of Applicants other than Petitions for Naturalization, Refugee Status,
and Asylum (CLAIMS 3); DHS/USCIS/PIA-015 USCIS Computer Linked Application Information Management
System (CLAIMS 4), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
17

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6. Post-Decision Reporting
USCIS uses the information contained in CAMINO to generate a number of statistical
reports to measure and evaluate workload for proper resource allocation. CAMINO interfaces with
Standard Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (SMART) to create customizable reports for a
variety of purposes. 18 USCIS generates reports to identify cases pending at all IO offices to measure
productivity trends and average processing times. USCIS also generates granular level reports to
identify types, number, and status of cases located in a particular office or assigned to a particular
IO staff member, which allows supervisors to identify the oldest cases in queue for processing.

Section 1.0 Authorities and Other Requirements
1.1

What specific legal authorities and/or agreements permit and define
the collection of information by the project in question?

Section 103 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides the legal authority for
this system. 19

1.2

What Privacy Act System of Records Notice(s) (SORN(s)) apply to
the information?

The following SORNs cover the collection, maintenance, and use of the information
contained in CAMINO:

18

•

Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System 20 covers the collection, use, and
maintenance of applications and supplemental evidence,

•

Background Check Service 21 covers background checks and its results,

•

Inter-Country Adoptions Security 22 covers the collection and use of adoption
applications, decisional data, and associated fees for adjudication,

•

Benefits Information System 23 covers the collection and use of immigrant and
nonimmigrant benefit applications, decisional data, and associated fees for adjudication
for adjudication, and

See DHS/USCIS/PIA-050 SMART, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
8 U.S.C. § 1103.
20
DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov. 21,
2013).
21
DHS/USCIS-002 Background Check Service, 72 FR 31082 (June 5, 2007).
22
DHS/USCIS-005 Inter-Country Adoptions Security, 72 FR 31086 (June 5, 2007).
23
DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, 73 FR 56596 (Sept. 29, 2008).
19

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•

1.3

Asylum Information and Pre-Screening 24 covers the collection and use of affirmative
asylum applications, applications filed with USCIS for suspension of deportation,
special rule cancellation of removal pursuant to the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central
American Relief Act, 25 credible fear screening cases, 26 and reasonable fear screening
cases. 27

Has a system security plan been completed for the information
system(s) supporting the project?

CAMINO is covered as a minor system under the Digital Innovation and Development –
Information Technology (DID-IT) accreditation boundary. DID-IT completed the security
assessment and authorization documentation in August 2013, and was accepted into the Ongoing
Authorization program. Ongoing Authorization requires DID-IT, including CAMINO, to be
reviewed on a monthly basis and maintain its security posture to maintain its ATO.

1.4

Does a records retention schedule approved by the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA) exist?

NARA approved the CAMINO retention schedule [N1-566-12-06] on April 17, 2013.
CAMINO retains records 25 years from the date of the last completed action. Supplemental
evidence submitted along with the application or provided through an RFE is stored in the A-File
[N1-566-08-11]. A-File records are permanent, whether hard copy or electronic. DHS transfers AFiles to the custody of NARA 100 years after the individual’s date of birth.

1.5

If the information is covered by the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), provide the OMB Control number and the agency number
for the collection. If there are multiple forms, include a list in an
appendix.

USCIS collects most of the information contained in CAMINO directly from the applicant
through completed immigration forms, which are subject to PRA requirements. A list of the
immigration forms processed in CAMINO, along with the OMB Control Numbers is available in
Appendix A.

24

DHS/USCIS-010 Asylum Information and Pre-Screening, 75 FR 409 (Jan. 5, 2010).
See Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, Pub. L. No. 105-100, § 203, 111 Stat. 2193, 2196-200
(1997).
26
See 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1)(B).
27
See 8 CFR § 208.31.
25

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Section 2.0 Characterization of the Information
The following questions are intended to define the scope of the information requested and/or collected, as well
as reasons for its collection.

2.1

Identify the information the project collects, uses, disseminates, or
maintains.

CAMINO maintains information from applications for immigration benefits adjudicated or
processed by USCIS IO offices located both overseas and domestically. 28 The information extracted
from these forms varies and not all forms collect the same information. CAMINO may retain the
following data elements:
Names: first name, last name, middle name, and any aliases of applicants, petitioners,
sponsors, beneficiaries, and in cases of intercountry adoptions, household members. USCIS also
collects names from form sponsors, preparers, attorneys, and designated representatives.
Immigration Status: e.g., LPR, U.S. citizen, asylee, refugee, or parolee, relating to
applicants, petitioners, beneficiaries, sponsors, and, in the case of intercountry adoptions, household
members.
Physical and Mailing Address: applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, sponsors, attorneys,
representatives, and, in the case of intercountry adoptions, household members and adoption service
providers.
Telephone Numbers: applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, sponsors, household members,
consular posts, sponsors, attorneys, representatives, and, in the case of intercountry adoptions,
household members and adoption service providers.
E-mail Addresses: applicants, petitioners, sponsors, beneficiaries, household members,
attorneys, representatives, and in the case of intercountry adoptions, household members and
adoption service providers.
Birth Dates: applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, sponsors, spouses, parents, siblings,
children/stepchildren/adopted children, and in the case of intercountry adoptions, household
members.
A-Number: applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, sponsors, and in the case of intercountry
adoptions, household members.
SSN: applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, sponsors, and in the case of intercountry
adoptions, household members.
Citizenship/Nationality: applicants and beneficiaries.
28

See Appendix A for a complete list of these forms.

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Gender: applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, and in the case of intercountry
adoptions, household members.
DNA Test Results: DNA test results from an AABB-accredited laboratory to verify a
claimed biological parent-child relationship (i.e., the nature of the relationship being tested,
laboratory name, date the test was requested, date the DNA sample was taken, date the DNA result
was received, the result, and the conclusiveness of the results). 29
Results of Background Identity and Security Checks: date of the background check,
whether the check returned any derogatory results, whether those results were resolved, and
expiration date of the results. IO staff manually enters background check results in CAMINO.
Certain background check results are uploaded into CAMINO in a semi-automated batch process.
Final Decision: includes a notice to the applicant and the representative on record.

2.2

What are the sources of the information and how is the information
collected for the project?

Most of the information in CAMINO is derived from the data provided by the applicant on
the completed immigration form and from documentation in support of his or her application. IO
staff manually enter information submitted on the USCIS application into CAMINO. DNA and
most background check results are also manually entered into CAMINO. Certain background check
results are uploaded into CAMINO in a semi-automated batch process. Please see the Appendices
for a full list of immigration forms and background checks tracked in CAMINO.

29

In Overseas Processing cases, the overseas officer issues an RFE suggesting DNA testing to the applicant/petitioner
when the officer is unable to either adjudicate a case or issue a travel document based on the documentary evidence
available. If the applicant/petitioner opts to submit DNA, he or she arranges the DNA testing through an AABBaccredited facility, and has any sampling of those located in the United States completed at the AABB-accredited
facility. USCIS only collects the DNA results from the lab. USCIS neither requests nor collects the actual DNA. In an
immigration benefit adjudication that requires verifying a parent-child relationship, the applicant/petitioner must
provide evidence of the claimed relationship. The burden is on the applicant/petitioner to establish that he or she is
eligible for the benefit sought. Generally, birth certificates are treated as the best available primary evidence of a parentchild relationship. When primary evidence is unavailable, the applicant/petitioner must demonstrate that it is not
available and submit secondary evidence such as a baptismal certificate, church records, or school records. If the
applicant/petitioner demonstrates that such secondary evidence is unavailable, two or more affidavits from individuals
with reason to know about the claimed relationship may be substituted. However, the unavailability of a birth certificate
creates a presumption of ineligibility for the benefit, and any alternative evidence submitted must be evaluated for its
authenticity and credibility. IO staff should request and evaluate all documentary evidence before suggesting DNA.
Officers must exhaust all other possible methods of confirming a relationship before suggesting a DNA test; DNA
testing should generally be a last resort.

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2.3

Does the project use information from commercial sources or
publicly available data? If so, explain why and how this information
is used.

No.

2.4

Discuss how accuracy of the data is ensured.

USCIS collects information primarily from the individual applicant or his or her
representative. CAMINO helps validate data entry through program coding to mitigate or prevent
inconsistencies in applicant data and in decision processing entries (e.g., the system rejects 00/00/00
birthdates). Data entry personnel are provided with the opportunity to review and edit information
prior to and after their submission. IO staff verify the accuracy by comparing information provided
by the individual with information contained in the individual’s A-File, on his or her DNA results,
and from federal law enforcement systems. 30 USCIS also verifies data accuracy with the applicant
during the applicant interview. IO staff can correct and edit inaccuracies at any stage of the process.
Furthermore, IO Headquarters (HQ) generates standard and custom reports on a regular
basis to identify incorrectly entered cases. HQ uses the CAMINO custom query functionality to
search for specific types of errors, for example cases in which an “Arrived at IO date” has not been
entered. IO HQ remedies trends of incorrect data entry by conducting specialized training.
With respect to oversight of DNA collection, USCIS follows proper chain of custody
procedures in alignment with AABB-accredited laboratory procedures. 31 The DNA laboratory
analyzing the DNA samples sends a copy of the results, but not the actual DNA, directly to USCIS
identifying the degree of probability that a claimed relationship exists.

2.5

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Characterization of the
Information

Privacy Risk: There is a risk of inaccurate date due to manual data entry from multiple
security screening systems.
Mitigation: This risk is only partially mitigated due to the amount of data that USCIS
manually enters from security screening systems. However, USCIS is working to automate this
process and remove the opportunity for human error. In addition, ensures data accuracy through
program coding to mitigate or prevent inconsistencies in applicant data and in decision processing

30

USCIS uses multiple federal law enforcement systems to conduct security checks for all cases involving an
application for an immigration service or benefit. This is done to both enhance national security and ensure the integrity
of the immigration process. Please see Appendix C to view a list of background checks tracked in CAMINO.
31
See supra text accompanying note 13.

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entries, employee training, and finally during the applicant interview where applicants are able to
confirm data accuracy.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk of overcollection of information for making a benefit
determination.
Mitigation: The USCIS Privacy Office reviews each immigration form during the
development process to ensure that only the minimum amount of information is collected to
determine benefit eligibility. Furthermore, all data elements collected are negotiated with and
approved by OMB during PRA collection review.
In an immigration benefit adjudication that requires verifying a parent-child relationship, the
applicant must provide evidence of the claimed relationship. The burden is on the applicant to
establish that he or she is eligible for the benefit sought. In Overseas Processing cases, IO staff
issue a RFE suggesting, not requiring, DNA testing to the applicant when he or she is unable to
either adjudicate a case or issue a travel document based on the documentary evidence available. If
the applicant opts to submit DNA, he or she arranges the DNA testing through an AABB-accredited
facility. USCIS receives only the DNA results from the lab. The actual DNA is not requested or
collected by USCIS. See footnote 13 for information on USCIS witnessing of panel physicians in
certain circumstances when DNA is collected abroad.
USCIS designed CAMINO specifically to collect and store only the information that is
necessary to adjudicate the applications processed by IO under its jurisdiction with an international
nexus. USCIS requires the information collected and stored in CAMINO to establish the identity of
the applicant, petitioner, or beneficiary, and to process the benefit request to determine benefit
eligibility.

Section 3.0 Uses of the Information
The following questions require a clear description of the project’s use of information.

3.1

Describe how and why the project uses the information.

USCIS uses CAMINO to support and manage the administration and adjudication of all
applications received and adjudicated by IO under IO jurisdiction with an international nexus.
Specific uses of CAMINO and the information it contains include:
•

Identify missing information and to make requests for additional information;

•

Provide a repository of data to assist with future immigration benefit applications and
requests;

•

Schedule interview and biometrics appointments;

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•

Maintain security screening check results to determine suitability for immigration benefits
using criminal, immigration, or terrorism-related history;

•

Generate and issue decision notices;

•

Manage workflow; and

•

Generate reports.

3.2

Does the project use technology to conduct electronic searches,
queries, or analyses in an electronic database to discover or locate a
predictive pattern or an anomaly? If so, state how DHS plans to use
such results.

No.

3.3

Are there other components with assigned roles and responsibilities
within the system?

No.

3.4

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to the Uses of Information

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that authorized users could use the data for purposes
inconsistent with the original collection.
Mitigation: Access to CAMINO is limited to USCIS employees. To ensure the information
is used consistently with the purposes of the original collection, USCIS monitors user logs to ensure
users are only accessing information related to their job functions. Prior to accessing CAMINO,
each user must sign a user access agreement that outlines the appropriate rules of behavior tailored
to CAMINO. USCIS implements disciplinary rules to ensure the appropriate use of the system.
USCIS reminds employees accessing the system that the system may be monitored for improper use
and illicit activity, and the penalties for non-compliance, through a warning banner that reiterates
the appropriate uses of the system. All user actions are tracked via audit logs to identify audit
information by user identification, network terminal identification, date, time, and data accessed.
This acts as a deterrent to unauthorized activity.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk that unauthorized users may gain access to CAMINO.
Mitigation: All records are protected from unauthorized access through appropriate
administrative, physical, and technical safeguards such as restricting access to authorized personnel
who have a need-to-know. CAMINO is a web-based application that is only available through the
DHS USCIS network. 32 Access to CAMINO is granted to only a limited number of users for
32

USCIS IO offices located both overseas and domestically access and log into CAMINO through the DHS OneNet,

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determining benefit eligibility. CAMINO users must have access to the USCIS network and have
USCIS credentials. Users must authenticate their credentials to gain access to the system. USCIS
also employs auditing capabilities that log user activity.

Section 4.0 Notice
The following questions seek information about the project’s notice to the individual about the information
collected, the right to consent to uses of said information, and the right to decline to provide information.

4.1

How does the project provide individuals notice prior to the
collection of information? If notice is not provided, explain why not.

Individuals are provided general notice through the publication of this PIA and the Alien
File, Index, and National File Tracking System, 33 Inter-Country Adoptions Security, 34 Background
Check Service, 35 Benefit Information System, 36 and Asylum Information and Pre-Screening37
SORNs.
Additionally, the instructions associated with each immigration form contain a Privacy Act
Statement. Each Privacy Act Statement provides notice to individuals about the agency’s authority
to collect information, the purposes of data collection, routine uses of the information, and the
consequences of declining to provide the requested information to USCIS.

4.2

What opportunities are available for individuals to consent to uses,
decline to provide information, or opt out of the project?

The submission of a benefit request is voluntary. To grant the requested benefit, applicants
must provide certain biographic and biometric information that may include submission of
fingerprints, photographs, and signatures, in addition to other information requested in an
application. This information is critical in making an informed adjudication decision to grant or
deny an immigration benefit. Failure to provide the requested information prohibits USCIS from
processing and properly adjudicating the application and thus precludes the applicant from
receiving the benefit.

4.3

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Notice

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that individuals may be unaware of the purposes for which
which is a secured local area network.
33
DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov. 21,
2013).
34
DHS/USCIS-005 Inter-Country Adoptions Security, 72 FR 31086 (June 5, 2007).
35
DHS/USCIS-002 Background Check Service, 72 FR 31082 (June 5, 2007).
36
DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, 73 FR 56596 (Sept. 29, 2008).
37
DHS/USCIS-010 Asylum Information and Pre-Screening, 75 FR 409 (Jan. 5, 2010).

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their information is used.
Mitigation: All individuals (i.e., petitioner, beneficiary, applicant, sponsor) who submit an
application for immigration benefits are made aware that the information they provide is collected
for determining eligibility for immigration benefits. Each immigration form contains a Privacy Act
Statement describing the legal authority to collect information, the purpose for the collection,
routine uses of the collected information, and the right to decline to provide information. The
Privacy Act Statement also advises applicants that the information provided may be shared with
other federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement and regulatory agencies during the course of
the investigation. All USCIS Privacy Act Statements are approved by the USCIS Privacy Office.

Section 5.0 Data Retention by the project
The following questions are intended to outline how long the project retains the information after the initial
collection.

5.1

Explain how long and for what reason the information is retained.

Under the approved retention schedule for CAMINO [N1-566-12-06], the system retains
records 25 years from the date of the last completed action. This retention schedule allows IO to
address any follow-up inquiries or requests related to the application, including inquiries related to
security matters. Supplemental evidence submitted along with the application or provided through
an RFE is stored in the A-File [N1-566-08-11]. A-File records are permanent, whether hard copy or
electronic. DHS transfers A-Files to the custody of NARA 100 years after the individual’s date of
birth.

5.2

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Retention

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that CAMINO may retain information longer than is necessary
to perform relevant immigration functions.
Mitigation: Although there is always risk inherent with retaining data for any length of
time, CAMINO data retention periods are consistent with the concept of retaining data to maintain a
complete and accurate history of an individual’s immigration interaction with USCIS for future
benefit requests.

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Section 6.0 Information Sharing
The following questions are intended to describe the scope of the project information sharing external to the
Department. External sharing encompasses sharing with other federal, state and local government, and private sector
entities.

6.1

Is information shared outside of DHS as part of the normal agency
operations? If so, identify the organization(s) and how the
information is accessed and how it is to be used.

USCIS manually shares information from CAMINO with other federal agencies for the
purpose of processing applications or petitions for benefits under INA, as previously described in
the Overview section of this PIA during the third step, “Security Screening Checks,” of the
management of international operations cases. 38 These other federal agencies include the
Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of State (DOS),
and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). These checks are conducted manually or
electronically, and a record of those checks and their results (including source and date of the
background check, whether the check returned any derogatory results, whether those results were
resolved, and expiration date of the results) are manually entered into CAMINO. There is no
electronic communication between the external systems and CAMINO.
Please see Appendix C for a full list and analysis of all external sharing arrangements.

6.2

Describe how the external sharing noted in 6.1 is compatible with
the SORN noted in 1.2.

USCIS shares CAMINO information under the routine uses outlined in the applicable
SORNs:
DOD
USCIS shares data with DOD under routine use P of the A-File SORN, and routine use J of
the Benefits Information System SORN, which permit USCIS to share information with other
government agencies during the processing of a matter under DHS’s jurisdiction or during a
proceeding within the purview of the immigration and nationality laws, when DHS deems that
disclosure is necessary to carry out its functions and statutory mandates. 39 Background Check
System routine use H also permits DHS to share information with government intelligence or
counterterrorism agencies when DHS becomes aware of an indication of a threat or potential threat
to national or international security, or when used to conduct national intelligence and security
38

Please see Appendix C for a full list of external identity and background checks tracked in CAMINO.
See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov.
21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, 73 FR 56596 (Sept. 29, 2008).
39

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investigations or assist in anti-terrorism efforts. USCIS conducts this vetting to determine if
information exists that might render the individual ineligible for the requested benefit or request and
stores the results in CAMINO.
DOS
USCIS shares data with DOS under routine use O of the A-File SORN, routine use B of the
Intercountry Adoptions SORN, and routine use I of the Benefits Information System SORN, which
permit DHS to share information with DOS in the processing of applications for benefits under the
INA, and all other immigration and nationality laws including treaties and reciprocal agreements. 40
Asylum Information Pre-Screening SORN routine use I also permits DHS to share information with
other government agencies during the processing of a matter or during a proceeding within the
purview of the immigration and nationality laws, when DHS deems that disclosure is necessary to
carry out its functions and statutory mandates. 41 USCIS conducts this vetting to determine if
information exists that might render the individual ineligible for the requested benefit or request and
stores the results in CAMINO.
DOJ FBI
USCIS shares data with FBI under the Background Check Service SORN. 42 Background
Check System routine use H permits DHS to share information with government intelligence or
counterterrorism agencies when DHS becomes aware of an indication of a threat or potential threat
to national or international security, or when used to conduct national intelligence and security
investigations or assist in anti-terrorism efforts. USCIS conducts this vetting to determine if
information exists that might render the individual ineligible for the requested benefit or request and
stores the results in CAMINO.
NCTC
USCIS shares CAMINO data under the Asylum Information and Pre-Screening and A-File
SORNs. Asylum Information and Pre-Screening routine use H permits DHS to share information
with government intelligence or counterterrorism agencies when DHS becomes aware of an
indication of a threat or potential threat to national or international security, or when used to
conduct national intelligence and security investigations or assist in anti-terrorism efforts. DHS also
shares CAMINO data under routine use P of the A-File SORN and routine use I of the Asylum
Information Pre-Screening SORN, which permit DHS to share information with other government
agencies during the processing of a matter under DHS’s jurisdiction or during a proceeding within
40

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov.
21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-005 Inter-Country Adoptions Security, 72 FR 31086 (June 5, 2007); DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits
Information System, 73 FR 56596 (Sept. 29, 2008).
41
See DHS/USCIS-010 Asylum Information and Pre-Screening, 75 FR 409 (Jan. 5, 2010).
42
See DHS/USCIS-002 Background Check Service, 72 FR 31082 (June 5, 2007).

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the purview of the immigration and nationality laws, when DHS deems that disclosure is necessary
to carry out its functions and statutory mandates. USCIS conducts this vetting to determine if
information exists that might render the individual ineligible for the requested benefit or request and
stores the results in CAMINO.

6.3

Does the project place limitations on re-dissemination?

DHS or USCIS enters into Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement (MOU/A) with
external organizations prior to the systematic sharing of information. When sharing information
with parties outside of DHS, the same specifications related to security and safeguarding of
privacy-sensitive information that are in place for USCIS and DHS are applied to the outside entity.
The agreements between DHS and external entities (e.g., DOD, DOS, DOJ, and NCTC) fully
outline responsibilities of the parties, security standards, and limits of use of the information,
including re-dissemination, prior to information sharing. Access to records is governed by need-toknow criteria that demand the receiving entity demonstrate the mission-related need for the data
before access is granted. In the terms of a negotiated agreement or the language of an authorization
providing information to an external agency, USCIS includes justification for collecting the data,
and an acknowledgement that the receiving agency will not share the information without USCIS or
DOS’s permission, as applicable.

6.4

Describe how the project maintains a record of any disclosures
outside of the Department.

USCIS IO keeps an electronic record of all CAMINO records sent to non-DHS partners to
screen for benefit eligibility. Furthermore, USCIS updates individual CAMINO case records to
reflect that a specific check has been completed.

6.5

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Information Sharing

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that data shared by USCIS with external partners will be used
beyond the original purpose of collection (immigration benefits).
Mitigation: USCIS is careful to share data with external agencies that have a need to know,
and put the information to a use that is compatible with USCIS SORNs. USCIS documents these
safeguards in MOU/A with the external partners. USCIS manually shares information from
CAMINO with other federal agencies and there is no electronic communication between the
external system and CAMINO. All prospective information handlers must be authorized to access
the information. This mitigates the risk of unauthorized disclosure by requiring a trained employee
with access to the information to review the information before sharing the information with an
external agency.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk that data shared by USCIS will be retained longer than
necessary by external partners.

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Mitigation: USCIS enters into MOU/A with all recipient agencies that detail specific
retention requirements for all security vetting initiatives. Specific MOU/A provisions are discussed
in the Appendices to this PIA. These MOU/As discuss the parties’ respective responsibilities for
safeguarding, retaining, and using the information. Additionally, receiving agency personnel have
been trained on proper use of sensitive information and understand that they may only provide the
information to those who have a need to know and with USCIS’ authorization.

Section 7.0 Redress
The following questions seek information about processes in place for individuals to seek redress which may
include access to records about themselves, ensuring the accuracy of the information collected about them, and/or filing
complaints.

7.1

What are the procedures that allow individuals to access their
information?

An individual may gain access to his or her USCIS records by filing a Privacy Act request.
If an individual would like to file a Privacy Act request to view his or her USCIS record, he or she
may mail the request to the following address:
National Records Center
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act Program
P. O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010
The information requested may be exempt from disclosure under the Privacy Act because
information contained within CAMINO may contain law enforcement sensitive information, the
release of which could possibly compromise ongoing criminal investigations. Further information
about Privacy Act and FOIA requests for USCIS records is available at http://www.uscis.gov.

7.2

What procedures are in place to allow the subject individual to
correct inaccurate or erroneous information?

Individuals should submit requests to contest or amend information contained in CAMINO
as discussed in Section 7.1. The requestor should clearly and concisely state the information being
contested, the reason for contesting or amending it, and the proposed amendment. The requestor
should also clearly mark the envelope, “Privacy Act Amendment Request.” The record must be
identified in the same manner as described for making a request for access.

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7.3

How does the project notify individuals about the procedures for
correcting their information?

USCIS notifies individuals of the procedures for correcting their information in the privacy
compliance documentation covering CAMINO, Privacy Act Statements, and through USCIS
personnel who interact with them. Specifically, the SORNs set forth in Section 1.2 provide
individuals with guidance regarding the procedures for correcting information. This PIA also
provides similar notice. The Privacy Act Statements, including notice of an individual’s right to
correct information, are also contained on the instructions to immigration forms published by
USCIS. USCIS notifies individuals during their interview about the procedures for correcting
application information as maintained in CAMINO.

7.4

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Redress

Privacy Risk: The Privacy Act of 1974 permits a federal agency to exempt a system of
records from some of the Act’s requirements, such as access and redress. There is a risk that the
right to redress may be limited by Privacy Act exemptions or limited avenues for seeking redress.
Mitigation: USCIS gives individuals numerous opportunities during and after the
completion of the application process to correct information they have provided and to respond to
information received from other sources. Individuals may avail themselves of the redress and
appeal process as stated in the DHS Privacy Act regulations, 6 CFR § 5.21. In addition, USCIS
provides all applicants or petitioners an opportunity to refute benefit determinations during the inperson interview phase described in the Overview.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk that individuals will not have redress from external partner
agencies with which USCIS shares CAMINO information.
Mitigation: USCIS has mitigated this risk to the best extent possible. USCIS sends to and
obtains information from external agencies, as described in the Appendices to this PIA. These
external agencies are fully responsible for any data that they provide to USCIS. They are
responsible for maintaining accurate records obtained from USCIS. The external agencies provide
procedures for access and redress in accordance with the FOIA and Privacy Act. Individuals may
seek more information on access, redress, or correction by reviewing the PIA for the individual
system. In addition, Appendix B lists the applicable SORN, which identifies the redress procedures
for the external system.

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Section 8.0 Auditing and Accountability
The following questions are intended to describe technical and policy based safeguards and security measures.

8.1

How does the project ensure that the information is used in
accordance with stated practices in this PIA?

CAMINO is designed with strict auditing capabilities that log the activity of each user to
reduce the possibility of misuse and inappropriate dissemination of information. In accordance with
DHS security guidelines, CAMINO uses auditing capabilities that logs user activity. USCIS tracks
all user actions via audit logs to identify audit information by user identification, network terminal
identification, date, time, and data accessed.

8.2

Describe what privacy training is provided to users either generally
or specifically relevant to the project.

USCIS employees and contractors are required to complete annual Privacy and Computer
Security Awareness Training to ensure their understanding of proper handling and securing of PII.
Privacy training addresses appropriate privacy concerns, including Privacy Act obligations (e.g.,
SORNs, Privacy Act Statements). The Computer Security Awareness Training examines
appropriate technical, physical, and administrative control measures. Leadership at each USCIS
office is responsible for ensuring that all federal employees and contractors receive the required
annual Computer Security Awareness Training and Privacy training.

8.3

What procedures are in place to determine which users may access
the information and how does the project determine who has
access?

In the course of its standard onboarding procedures, new employees are assigned a role in
CAMINO appropriate to the employee’s position and need-to-know. Once the employee is assigned
to an overseas office or to a headquarters branch, the employee’s supervisor is responsible for
validating the employee’s continued access to CAMINO.
If USCIS users outside of IO wish to have access to CAMINO, he or she must secure
sponsorship from an IO employee who can verify the party’s need-to-know. IO documents the
identity of the sponsor and the reason for access, allowing IO to re-verify access as needed.
CAMINO links a user’s profile to his or her Windows network credentials and uses Active
Directory (AD) to control which users may access the system and to ensure users are assigned
permissions appropriate to their role.

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8.4

How does the project review and approve information sharing
agreements, MOUs, new uses of the information, new access to the
system by organizations within DHS and outside?

USCIS has a formal review and approval process in place for new sharing agreements. Any
new use of information and/or new access requests for the system must go through the USCIS
change control process and must be approved by the proper authorities of this process, such as the
USCIS Privacy Officer, Chief of Information Security Officer, Office of Chief Counsel, and the
respective Program Office.

Responsible Officials
Donald Hawkins
Privacy Officer
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

Approval Signature
Original signed copy on file with the DHS Privacy Office.
________________________________

Karen L. Neuman
Chief Privacy Officer
Department of Homeland Security

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APPENDIX A
USCIS Immigration Forms and Associated OMB Control Numbers
Form Number

OMB
Control Number

Voluntary Departure Form

G-146

1115-0075

Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative

I-130

1615-0012

Application for Travel Document

I-131

1615-0013

Affidavit of Support

I-134

1615-0014

Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa

I-193

1651-0107

Application for Permission to Reapply for
Admission into the United States After
Deportation or Removal

I-212

1615-0018

I-290B

1615-0095

Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special
Immigrant

I-360

1615-0020

Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Residence
Status

I-407

In Progress

Registration for Classification as Refugee

I-590

1615-0068

Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate
Relative

I-600

1615-0028

I-600A

1615-0028

Application for Waiver of Ground of
Excludability

I-601

1615-0029

Application By Refugee For Waiver of Grounds
of Excludability

I-602

1615-0069

Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

I-730

1615-0037

Application for Naturalization

N-400

1615-0052

N-600K

1615-0057

Title

Notice of Appeal to the Administrative Appeals
Office

Application for Advance Processing of Orphan
Petition

Application for Citizenship and Issuance of
Certificate under Section 322

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APPENDIX B
Background, Identity, and Status Checks by Form Type and the Associated System
The following chart identifies required background, identity, and status checks. USCIS may conduct
additional checks, as appropriate.
Background
Check

I-130

I-131

I-212

CIS

X

X

CLAIMS 3

X

I-360

I-407

I-600

I-600A

I-601

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

I-730

N-400

USCIS
Systems

Other DHS
Systems
CBP TECS

X

X

CBP ATS-P

X

ICE EARM

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

OBIM IDENT

X

External
Systems
DOD
Fingerprint

X

DCII

X

DD214

X

DOJ FBI
Name Check
DOJ FBI
Fingerprint

X
X

DOS CCD

X

DOS CLASS

X

DOS SAO
NCTC

X
X

X

X
X
X
X

X

X

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APPENDIX C
List of Systems researched during the Background, Identity, and Status Check Process and
Tracked in CAMINO
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Systems
Central Index System (CIS) 43 contains information on the status of more than 57 million
applicants/petitioners seeking immigration benefits including: LPRs, naturalized citizens, U.S.
border crossers, aliens who illegally entered the United States, aliens who have been issued
employment authorization documents, individuals who petitioned for benefits on behalf of
family members, and other individuals subject to the provisions of the INA. USCIS uses this
information to verify the current immigration status of individuals.
There is no electronic communication between CAMINO and CIS. USCIS conducts manual
checks in CIS, and the record of those checks and their results are manually entered into
CAMINO.
Computer Link Application Information Management System (CLAIMS) 3 44 and
CLAIMS 4 45 process and manage applications for immigration-related benefits. USCIS uses
CLAIMS 3 and CLAIMS 4 to review past and current immigration benefit filings and to obtain
case status information.
USCIS manually conducts CLAIMS 3 and CLAIMS 4 checks, and the record of those checks
and their results may be manually entered into CAMINO. There is no electronic communication
between CAMINO and CLAIMS 3 or CLAIMS 4.
Customer Profile Management System (CPMS) is a centralized repository of USCIS
biometrics data including the photo, fingerprint, and signature of applications. CPMS also
supports the electronic transmission of data from USCIS to the FBI for conducting fingerprint
biometric background checks in the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system 46 and
stores the results of those checks, including all biographical and response data, including FBI
criminal history (rap sheet) and civil applicant responses. USCIS uses the information for
reference in the adjudication process.
CPMS generates reports containing FBI fingerprint results in a spreadsheet format, and that
spreadsheet is then uploaded into CAMINO by IO HQ to record the FBI fingerprint checks and
associated results for applicants in their individual case records in CAMINO. USCIS manually
43

See DHS/USCIS/PIA-009 Central Index System PIA, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
See DHS/USCIS/PIA-016 Benefits Processing of Applicants other than Petitions for Naturalization, Refugee, Status,
and Asylum (CLAIMS 3) PIA, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
45
See DHS/USCIS/PIA Computer Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS 4) PIA, available at
www.dhs.gov/privacy.
46
See FBI-009 Fingerprint Identification Records System (FIRS), 64 FR 52347 (Sept. 28, 1999).
44

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conducts checks of CPMS checks, and manually enters the record of those checks and their
results into CAMINO. There is no electronic communication between CPMS and CAMINO.
Other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Component Systems
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
TECS 47 is an automated enforcement and inspection lookout system that combines information
from multiple agencies, databases, and system interfaces. Data in TECS covers Known and
Suspected Terrorists (KST), other national security risks, public safety issues, warrants, travel
information, and other law enforcement concerns. Evidence of criminality may include the
existence of an FBI number, rap sheet, want/warrant, or a DHS Automated Biometric
Identification System (IDENT), 48 TECS, or other law enforcement record.
IO staff manually conducts TECS checks, and manually enters the results into CAMINO. There
is no electronic communication between TECS and CAMINO.
Automated Targeting System - Passenger (ATS-P) 49 is an intranet-based enforcement and
decision support tool that is the cornerstone for all CBP targeting efforts. CBP uses ATS to
improve the collection, use, analysis, and dissemination of information gathered for the primary
purpose of targeting, identifying, and preventing potential terrorists and terrorist weapons from
entering the United States. ATS-P is one of the five modules within ATS.
ATS-P is the module used at all U.S. airports and seaports receiving international flights and
voyages to evaluate passengers and crewmembers prior to arrival or departure. ATS-P’s
screening relies upon the following databases: Advanced Passenger Information System
(APIS), 50 Non Immigrant Information System (NIIS), 51 Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA), 52 Border Crossing Information (BCI), 53 Suspect and Violator Indices
(SAVI), 54 the Department of State visa databases, the Passenger Name Record information from
the airlines, TECS crossing data, TECS seizure and enforcement data, information from the

47

See DHS/CBP/PIA-009 TECS System: CBP Primary and Secondary Processing PIA, available at
www.dhs.gov/privacy.
48
See DHS/NPPD/PIA-002 Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
See also DHS/NPPD-004 IDENT, 72 FR 31080 (June 5, 2007).
49
See DHS/CBP/PIA-006(b) Automated Targeting System (ATS), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
50
See DHS/CBP/PIA-001 Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy. See
also DHS/CBP-005 Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), 80 FR 13407(Mar. 13, 2015).
51
See DHS/CBP-016 Nonimmigrant Information System, 80 FR 13398 (Mar. 13, 2015).
52
See DHS/CBP/PIA-007 Electronic System for Travel Authorization, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy. See also
DHS/CBP-009 Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), 79 FR 65414 (Nov. 3, 2014).
53
See DHS/CBP-007 Border Crossing Information (BCI), 80 FR 26937 (May 11, 2015).
54
See DHS/CBP/PIA-006(b) Automated Targeting System (ATS), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.

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consolidated and integrated terrorist watch list maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center, 55
and DOS Consular Consolidated Database. 56
USCIS uses ATS-P to vet non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications. USCIS manually
conducts checks of ATS-P, and manually records those checks and their results in CAMINO.
There is no electronic communication between ATS-P and CAMINO.
Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS) 57 collects information about non-citizens
who travel to the United States. This includes arrival and departure border crossings, and
immigration status updates for each traveler. ADIS receives information from multiple systems,
some of which are from government organizations external to CBP, and matches events to a
unique person to create a complete record of events during their U.S. visits. ADIS matches
departures with arrivals to ascertain compliance, stores travel and status adjustment records, and
provides a range of ad hoc queries and reporting capabilities. ADIS incorporates additional data
elements and transactions associated with IDENT and other immigration systems to maintain
complete traveler histories. ADIS maintains travel histories on over 200 million alien travelers.
USCIS uses ADIS information to verify an applicant’s arrival to or departure from the United
States as part of the determination of immigration benefits eligibility. USCIS manually conducts
ADIS checks and records those checks and their results in CAMINO. There is no electronic
communication between the ADIS system and CAMINO.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ENFORCE Alien Removal Module (EARM) 58 tracks the status of alien removal proceedings
from the United States. EARM provides personal identifiers, photographs, and details of
removal case proceedings to aid ICE Detention and Removal Operations in carrying out the
removal of aliens from the United States.
USCIS uses EARM to research an individual’s immigration history to determine if an
individual is eligible for an immigration benefit for which he or she has applied. USCIS
manually conducts EARM checks and records those checks and their results in CAMINO.
There is no electronic communication between CAMINO and EARM.

55

See DHS/ALL/PIA-027(b) Watchlist Service (WLS) Update, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
See Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) PIA, available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/ips/c24223.htm.
57
See DHS/CBP/PIA-24 Arrival and Departure System (ADIS), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
58
See DHS/ICE/PIA-015 Enforcement Integrated Database (EID); DHS/ICE/PIA-015(a) Enforcement Integrated
Database (EID); DHS/ICE/PIA-015(b) Enforcement Integrated Database (EID); DHS/ICE/PIA-015(c) Enforcement
Integrated Database (EID) ENFORCE Alien Removal Module Update; DHS/ICE/PIA-015(d) Enforcement Integrated
Database (EID) ENFORCE Alien Removal Module Update, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
56

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Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM, formerly US-VISIT)
Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) 59 The OBIM IDENT information
technology system includes biometric information related to the travel history of non-U.S.
citizens and biometric watchlist (KST) information. USCIS uses this system to confirm identity,
determine previous interactions with immigration officials (e.g., asylum or visa applications),
and detect imposters. When USCIS captures fingerprints for purposes of an FBI Fingerprint
Check, the fingerprints are also sent to OBIM for enrollment in IDENT. OBIM emails USCIS
reports of any fingerprint records that match existing IDENT holdings, including visa refusals,
immigration-related enrollments, and watchlist records. These reports are often called “Day
Forward Reports.” All reported matches in these reports are manually reviewed in adjudicating
some benefit types, but not others. In addition to reviewing OBIM reports for matches, IO may
conduct a manual IDENT check by entering an individual’s A-Number in IDENT to determine
if the system contains a matching record. When USCIS conducts an IDENT check, USCIS
records the check and its result in CAMINO. There is no electronic communication between
CAMINO and IDENT.
DOD Systems
Automated Biometrics Identification System (ABIS) 60 The DOD ABIS is a biometric
database containing information collected by DOD personnel stationed abroad. ABIS is the
DOD central, authoritative multi-modal (i.e., fingerprint, palm, iris, face) biometric repository.
ABIS is an enterprise solution that is the strategic level authoritative data source for unclassified
DOD biometrics. It integrates the DOD worldwide biometric efforts targeting known and
suspected terrorists. The system operates and enhances associated search and retrieval services
and interfaces with existing DOD and interagency biometric systems. DOD may retain USCIS
records pursuant to negotiated information sharing access agreements.
Defense Clearance and Investigative Index (DCII) 61 The USCIS Form N-426 is required for
all naturalization applicants who have had prior service in any of the branches of the U.S.
Armed Forces. The Form N-426 is used to search military held records by running a Defense
Clearance and Investigative Index (DCII) check. Each military branch has agreed to do this for
members who have served or are currently serving their branch. Under the facilitated military
N-400 filing procedure, the military will front-end the processing of the Form N-426 check. The
N-400 will be submitted with this check already done and the results attached.
59

See DHS/NPPD/PIA-002 Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
See Defense Biometric Services, September 22, 2009, 74 FR 48237, Department of Defense Detainee Biometric
Information System (March 28, 2007, 72 FR 14534), and Defense Biometric Identification Records System (April 17,
2009, 74 FR 17840), available at http://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNs.aspx.
61
See Defense Clearance and Investigations Index (DCII), Aug. 17, 1999, 64 FR 44704, available at
http://www.dss.mil/foia/v5-02.html.
60

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USCIS must conduct a DCII query with the DOD as part of the background check process on
any applicant with military service regardless of the section of law under which he or she is
applying for naturalization. DCII checks are conducted manually by DOD and then sent to
USCIS. USCIS manually enters a record of those checks and their results are manually entered
into CAMINO. There is no electronic communication between DCII and CAMINO.
DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty – Report of
Separation is a report of separation that captures the dates and character of service (type of
discharge) of the service member. The DOD issues DD Form 214 to each veteran upon his or
her separation from the Armed Forces. DD Form 214 is already certified by the respective
Armed Forces branch and therefore meets the military service certification requirements set
forth in section 328 and 329 of the INA. If the subject has been discharged from military
service, the personnel files are stored at NARA, which is the official repository for records of
military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps,
Navy, and Coast Guard. 62
USCIS uses this information to determine naturalization eligibility. DD Form 214 checks are
conducted manually by DOD and then sent to USCIS. USCIS manually enters a record of those
checks and their results into CAMINO. There is no electronic communication between DOD
and CAMINO for sharing the information on DD Form 214.
DOJ Systems
FBI Name Checks 63 involve processing research and disseminating information contained in
the FBI’s Central Records System (CRS) and Universal Index (UNI). The CRS encompasses
the centralized records of FBI Headquarters, FBI field offices, and Legal Attaché offices. The
CRS contains FBI investigative, administrative, criminal, personnel, and other files compiled
for law enforcement and national security purposes. The UNI consists of administrative,
applicant, criminal, personnel, and other law enforcement files. FBI Research Analysts return
pertinent derogatory information to USCIS. FBI Name Checks are typically initiated by a
Service Center domestically, and USCIS manually records those checks and their results in
CAMINO. The results of the FBI Name Checks are used to determine an applicant’s eligibility
for a USCIS benefit. There is no electronic communication between the FBI Name Check
system and CAMINO.

62

See About Military Service Records and Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF, DD Form 214) at
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/about-service-records.html.
63
See FBI-002 FBI Central Records System, 72 FR 3410 (Jan. 25, 2007); FED. BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NAT’L
NAME CHECK PROGRAM, http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/name-checks.

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Next Generation Identification (NGI) 64 houses local, state, and federal law enforcement
information. NGI is the largest biometric database in the world, housing the fingerprints and
criminal histories for more than 70 million subjects in the criminal master file, along with more
than 34 million civil prints. Included in the criminal database are fingerprints from 73,000
known and suspected terrorists processed by the United States or by international law
enforcement agencies who work with the FBI. USCIS uses NGI to conduct searches of an
individual’s fingerprints against its records. The results provide summary information of an
individual’s administrative or criminal record within the United States. NGI results are stored in
CPMS. There is no electronic communication between CAMINO and the NGI system.
DOS Systems
Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) 65 enables Facial Recognition (FR) digital
photos of individuals seeking immigration benefits to be scanned against a database of digital
images maintained by the DOS Kentucky Consular Center consisting of past applicants for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas and other digital photo sources. Computerized Face Recognition
(FR) has the potential to recognize several photos of the same person in databases that are
exponentially larger than those that a human could review. Additionally, automated FR can
detect mathematical similarities that could be easily disguised from a subjective human viewer.
DOS initiates FR checks on behalf of USCIS in certain circumstances and then reports the
results of the FR to USCIS. USCIS manually enters this information into CAMINO. There is no
electronic communication between CAMINO and DOS FR software.
Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) 66 is a data warehouse that holds current and archived
data from the DOS Consular Affairs (CA) domestic and post databases around the world. It was
created to provide DOS CA a near real-time aggregate of the consular transaction activity
collected domestically and at post databases worldwide.
USCIS conducts CCD checks manually and records those checks and their results in CAMINO.
There is no electronic communication between CAMINO and CCD.
Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) 67 is a name-check database that contains
records provided by numerous agencies and includes information on persons with visa refusals,
immigration violations, criminal histories, and terrorism concerns, as well as intelligence
information and child support enforcement data. In addition to containing information from
DOS sources, sources for information in CLASS includes NCTC/TSC (terrorist watch lists),
64

See FBI-009 Fingerprint Identification Records System (FIRS), 72 FR 3410 (Jan. 25, 2007).
See Automated Biometric Identification System PIA, available at
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/109132.pdf.
66
See Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) PIA, available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/ips/c24223.htm.
67
See Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) PIA, available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/ips/c24223.htm.
65

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DHS (TECS), Interpol, DOJ Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, and FBI (extracts of the NCIC Wanted Person, Immigration Violator, Foreign
Fugitive Files, Violent Gang and Terrorist Organization File, and the Interstate Identification
Index).
DOS initiates CLASS checks on behalf of USCIS in certain circumstances and reports the
results to USCIS. USCIS manually enters the CLASS check results in CAMINO. There is no
electronic communication between CAMINO and the DOS CLASS system.
Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) 68 is a name check conducted by DOS on certain categories
of refugees, refugee and asylee beneficiaries, and visa applicants and identifies those with a
criminal history or those who may pose a national security concern.
DOS reports the results to USCIS. SAO check results are manually updated in CAMINO. There
is no electronic communication between CAMINO and the DOS system which initiates the
SAO check process.
NCTC
NCTC’s classified terrorism data holdings. Pursuant to the National Security Act of 1974, as
amended, NCTC “serves as the central and shared knowledge bank on known and suspected
terrorists and international terror groups, as well as their goals, strategies, capabilities, and
networks of contacts and support.” 69 On a regular basis, reports are pulled from CAMINO of
individuals requiring a counterterrorism check. The list is then encrypted and sent to NCTC to
check for possible matches to records in NCTC terrorism holdings. NCTC reports results back
to IO HQ via email if no hit is found, or via a classified mechanism if a match is found. USCIS
uses this information in support of its identification of terrorism-related inadmissibilities. The
clear or not clear results of the NCTC check are batch uploaded into CAMINO. There is no
electronic communication directly between CAMINO and the NCTC.

68

See Visa Opinion Information Service (VOIS), available at http://foia.state.gov/_docs/PIA/185304.pdf. See also
STATE-39, Visa Records, 77 FR 65245 (Oct. 25, 2012).
69
50 U.S.C. § 404o.

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APPENDIX D
Security Checks for Humanitarian Parole (HP), Significant Public Benefit Parole (SPBP), and
Refugee/Asylee Follow-to-Join Applicants
DHS and NCTC established a pilot in 2011 to analyze various immigration benefit
screening enhancements. 70 Portions of sharing arrangement are in place today, specifically vetting
of HP, SPBP, and follow-to-join applications. 71
Under terms and conditions reflected in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), USCIS has
partnered with NCTC to determine if Terrorism Information 72 exists in HP, SPBP, and follow-tojoin applications, including information that would be a bar to admissibility73 under the
Immigration and Nationality Act. 74
The information about the HP, SPBP, and refugee/asylee follow-to-join applicants is pulled
from newly received applications that have already been entered into CAMINO, and periodically
shared with NCTC.
Data Elements:
Pursuant to the MOA, IO provides NCTC with a file, via encrypted electronic transmission
in accordance with information security standards, with the following information about covered
individuals: full name, alias(es), A-Number, date of birth, country of birth, country of
nationality/citizenship, passport number, gender, mailing address, physical address, phone number,
and email address for the covered petitioners, beneficiaries, or applicants.
Population:
The population for this pilot consists of new applications for humanitarian parole or
significant public benefit parole received during the term of the agreement. It also includes
70

ISAA-262-001, Memorandum of Agreement Between the Department of Homeland Security and the National
Counterterrorism Center Regarding Pilots for NCTC to support to USCIS Screening of Applicants for Immigration
Benefits, August 30, 2011.
71
Addendum IV to the August 30, 2011 Memorandum of Agreement Between the Department of Homeland Security
and the National Counterterrorism Center Regarding Pilots for NCTC to support to USCIS Screening of Applicants for
Immigration Benefits, August 4, 2014.
72
Terrorism Information is defined as, (A)… all information, whether collected, produced, or distributed by
intelligence, law enforcement, military, homeland security, or other activities relating to— (i) the existence,
organization, capabilities, plans, intentions, vulnerabilities, means of finance or material support, or activities of foreign
or international terrorist groups or individuals, or of domestic groups or individuals involved in transnational terrorism;
(ii) threats posed by such groups or individuals to the United States, United States persons, or United States interests, or
to those of other nations; (iii) communications of or by such groups or individuals; or (iv) groups or individuals
reasonably believed to be assisting or associated with such groups or individuals; and (B) includes weapons of mass
destruction information. 6 U.S.C. § 485
73
Please visit the USCIS website for more information on HP, SPBP, and Refugee/Asylee and its requirements at
www.uscis.gov.
74
See 8 U.S.C. §§ 1182(a)(3)(A), (B), (F); 1227(a)(4)(A), (B).

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information being processed for travel documents from refugee/asylee relative petitions received by
USCIS international offices during the life of the pilot. The affected groups include individuals
outside of the United States who are requesting parole or on whose behalf parole is being requested
and their LPR or U.S. Citizen petitioners, and the spouses and unmarried children of refugees and
asylees.
Individuals with asylum or refugee status, or those that do not have that status, but who may
have applied for it at some point, may be among the pool of parole applicants and petitioners.
Disclosure of asylum data (and also refugee data, which as a matter of DHS policy is treated in the
same manner as asylum data) is authorized in accordance with 8 C.F.R. § 208.6 and the terms and
conditions of the Memorandum from the Secretary of DHS entitled “Disclosure of Asylum-Related
Information to U.S. Intelligence and Counterterrorism Agencies,” dated April 18, 2007, or any
subsequently issued or superseding guidance issued by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security. USCIS will not provide data pertaining to other special protected class
individuals covered under 8 U.S.C. § 1367 to NCTC under the MOA.
Vetting:
NCTC analyzes USCIS data in conjunction with other data it holds to determine if the
USCIS data provided under the MOA constitutes Terrorism Information. NCTC delivers the
analytic results within 90 days of the notification by NCTC to USCIS that the data has been
formatted and loaded by NCTC. If data is found to constitute Terrorism Information, NCTC will
notify USCIS via unclassified email when such Terrorism Information exists and will provide
USCIS with the associated report number, which USCIS can access through appropriate channels.
National security-related information, including classified reports generated by NCTC, may be
stored in the A-File.
Privacy Mitigation:
The MOA establishes the terms and conditions of NCTC’s access, use, and retention of HP,
SPBP, and follow-to-join information. First, the MOA limits NCTC’s use of the data solely to
analyzing it to determine whether it has a nexus to terrorism. The MOA then limits NCTC’s
retention of HP, SPBP, and follow-to-join information to no longer than 150 days, after which it
must be purged. This deletion timeframe provides NCTC with enough time to identify Terrorism
Information and to coordinate with USCIS regarding any Terrorism Information found in HP,
SPBP, or follow-to-join applications. If NCTC identifies Terrorism Information associated with HP,
SPBP, or follow-to-join individuals, then NCTC may permanently retain, use, and disseminate the
information consistent with its authorities.
The MOA also features protections against unauthorized dissemination of HP, SPBP, or
follow-to-join information. NCTC is prohibited from further disseminating HP, SPBP, or follow-tojoin information unless they first identify it as Terrorism Information or obtain written permission

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from DHS, including review and approval by USCIS, the DHS Privacy Office, Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the General Counsel, and Policy Office.
The MOA includes further privacy protections including requirements for training and
recognition that both parties are participants in the Information Sharing Environment (ISE) and will
adhere to their written ISE Privacy and Civil Liberties Protection Policy and have provisions for
correction and redress. Finally, under the terms of the agreement, NCTC makes regular reports
about its use of the HP, SPBP, and refugee/asylee follow-to-join data. These reports include the
number of records reviewed; records initially identified as Terrorism Information; records
confirmed to be Terrorism Information through human review and retained; the number of NCTC
intelligence reports including covered information; the number of TIDE records enhanced with
covered information; and the number of records deleted when their retention period expired. In
addition to these regular reports, NCTC must also notify DHS of known or suspected failures to
adhere to the MOA’s terms and conditions.