Privacy Impact Assessment

Privacy Impact Assessment
for the

Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate
DHS/USCIS/PIA-013-01
December 16, 2014
Contact Point
Donald K. Hawkins
Privacy Officer
U.S. 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, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
created the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate to strengthen the integrity of the
nation’s immigration system and to ensure that immigration benefits are not granted to individuals that may
pose a threat to national security and/or public safety. In addition, the FDNS Directorate is responsible for
detecting, deterring, and combating immigration benefit fraud. The United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services conducted this Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to document and assess how the
Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate collects, uses, and maintains personally identifiable
information. USCIS is updating and reissuing this PIA, originally published on July 30, 2012 as
DHS/USCIS/PIA-013(a), to include FDNS’s sharing with Law Enforcement Agencies and include the
DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001-Alien File, Index and National File Tracking System of Records, published
November 21, 3013 at 78 FR 69864 as coverage for initiatives under this PIA.

Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) implements immigration law and policy through the processing and adjudication of
applications and petitions submitted for citizenship, asylum, and other immigration benefits. Benefits may
include adjustment of immigration status (granting lawful permanent residence), naturalization (granting
United States citizenship), asylum and refugee status, and other immigrant and nonimmigrant benefits.
USCIS supports the DHS statutory mandate of protecting the nation by identifying applicants who threaten
national security or public safety and denying them immigration benefits that would allow them to legally
enter or remain in the United States. In addition, USCIS enhances the integrity of the nation’s legal
immigration system by detecting and deterring immigration benefit fraud. In order to support this DHS
statutory mandate, USCIS collects applicant, petitioner, and beneficiary information to adjudicate
applications and petitions so that immigration benefits are only granted to eligible individuals in an
accurate, efficient, and timely manner. 1 This information is also used to determine if and when those
benefits should be rescinded or revoked.
In 2004, USCIS established the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) in
response to a Congressional recommendation to establish an organization “responsible for developing,
implementing, directing, and overseeing the joint USCIS-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
anti-fraud initiative and conducting law enforcement/background checks on every applicant, beneficiary,
and petitioner prior to granting immigration benefits.” 2 FDNS fulfills the USCIS mission of enhancing
both national security and the integrity of the legal immigration system by: (1) identifying threats to
national security and public safety posed by those seeking immigration benefits; (2) detecting, pursuing,
1

See DHS/USCIS/PIA-016 USCIS 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 http://www.dhs.gov/privacy.
2
Conference Report to accompany H.R. 4567 [Report 108-774], “Making Appropriations for the Department of
Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2005,” p. 74, available at
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-108hrpt774/pdf/CRPT-108hrpt774.pdf.

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and deterring immigration benefit fraud; (3) identifying and removing systemic vulnerabilities in the
process of the legal immigration system; and (4) acting as USCIS’s primary conduit for information sharing
and collaboration with other governmental agencies. FDNS also oversees a strategy to promote a balanced
operation that distinguishes USCIS’s administrative authority, responsibility, and jurisdiction from ICE’s
criminal investigative authority.
FDNS serves as the primary liaison between USCIS and the law enforcement and intelligence
community. This effort includes establishing and developing relationships and collaborating with law
enforcement; intelligence; and federal, state, and local agencies to ensure criminals, terrorists, and other
individuals who pose a threat to national security and/or public safety are not able to exploit the immigration
system to gain access to, or remain in, the United States. In addition, FDNS works with adjudications on
cases of suspected fraud and where the security vetting process has indicated possible national security or
public safety-related concerns (please see the Appendix for a detailed description of the FDNS vetting
initiatives).
There are two main personnel positions in USCIS discussed in this document —the FDNS
Immigration Officer (FDNS IO) and the Adjudications Immigration Services Officer (ISO). FDNS IOs
perform administrative investigations to obtain relevant information needed to render the appropriate
adjudicative decision. Upon conclusion of an administrative investigation, FDNS IOs report their findings
to USCIS adjudications. The ISO makes the adjudicative decision. These two entities — FDNS IOs and
Adjudications ISOs — work together to ensure that fraud, national security, and public safety concerns are
fully investigated prior to the decision on a benefit.

Headquarters Operations
Headquarters FDNS (HQFDNS) develops, oversees, and maintains policies, procedures, and
other efforts within USCIS’s administrative authorities to detect, identify, and combat threats to the security
of the United States and the integrity of its legal immigration system. This includes collaboration with law
enforcement; intelligence; and federal, state, and local agencies to ensure criminals, terrorists, and other
individuals posing a threat to public safety or national security are not able to exploit the legal immigration
system to gain access to, or remain in, the United States. USCIS and ICE, which is responsible for the
criminal investigation and prosecution of immigration benefit fraud, have implemented a joint anti-fraud
strategy through FDNS. This strategy promotes balanced operations that distinguish USCIS’ administrative
authority, responsibility, and jurisdiction from ICE’s criminal investigative authority.
HQFDNS also works with other components of USCIS to develop operational policy to detect
fraud, and to identify and combat threats to security. Field Operations (FOD); Service Center Operations
(SCOPS); and Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations (RAIO) directorates supervise field FDNS
Immigration Officers. HQFDNS develops and implements operational policies and procedures that address
fraud and national security concerns in coordination with these directorates. FDNS also works with the
Enterprise Services Directorate (ESD) on policies and procedures related to biometric and other security
checks. In addition, the USCIS Privacy and Office of the Chief Counsel advise FDNS on the privacy and
legal considerations of policies and initiatives.
HQFDNS consists of three operational divisions: the National Security Division, the Fraud

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Division, and the Intelligence Division, all of which provide guidance to field and HQ FDNS IOs.
HQFDNS does not directly supervise FDNS IOs in the field, but provides operational policy and guidance
to FDNS field IOs.
National Security Division
The National Security Division (NSD) is responsible for developing agency policies, procedures,
priorities, and objectives relating to the detection and resolution of national security concerns in
immigration benefit petitions and applications. NSD focuses on: (1) the national security vetting processes;
(2) oversight of procedures for handling national security concerns; and (3) information sharing with the
law enforcement and intelligence community. NSD works closely with the Intelligence Division (ID) to
ensure coordination within USCIS.
Improving National Security Vetting
NSD develops and monitors the protocol that FDNS IOs must follow when a potential national
security concern has been identified during the vetting of individuals who have requested an immigration
benefit. NSD provides technical assistance to FDNS IOs and ISOs in the field when vetting has identified
a possible national security concern. This includes reaching out to partner agencies to resolve any such
concerns and providing information for use in the adjudication process. The NSD Screening Coordination
Office (SCO) reviews the existing processes for national security vetting, which includes national security
and criminal checks and identifying areas for improvement.
Conducting Oversight
NSD is responsible for tracking and reporting the volume of national security workload within
USCIS. NSD regularly reports processing information to leadership to ensure these special cases are
receiving proper attention.
Facilitating Information Sharing
In addition to its security vetting responsibilities, NSD serves as the primary oversight entity for
HQFDNS employees detailed to other government agencies to facilitate information sharing with the law
enforcement and intelligence community. These officers have access to USCIS information and facilitate
efficient and appropriate information sharing. In addition, they serve as subject matter experts regarding
immigration laws and policies. NSD also handles the adjudication of sensitive cases sponsored by other
government agencies.
Fraud Division
The Fraud Division (FD) is responsible for developing and overseeing anti-fraud policies and
procedures, detecting fraudulent immigration activities, and identifying fraudulent benefit applications. FD
is also responsible for developing operational policy and administering the Administrative Site Visit and
Verification Program (ASVVP), a program in which FDNS IOs and contractors conduct random,
administrative site visits to the work sites of petitioners and beneficiaries of religious workers and certain
employment-based benefits.
Intelligence Division

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The Intelligence Division (ID) is responsible for representing USCIS interests to the DHS Office
of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), the DHS Operations Coordination and Planning, and other agencies
within the law enforcement and intelligence community. ID manages the analysis, reporting, production,
and dissemination of USCIS immigration-based intelligence products both in the field and at HQFDNS.
These products provide information on patterns, trends, and indicators of fraud or national security
concerns. ID is also responsible for preparing specific intelligence reports addressing national security
and/or public safety concerns involving immigrants and/or immigration processes, as well as for responding
to internal and external requests for information (RFI) through the DHS I&A single point of service.
FDNS Operations in the Field
FDNS IOs are located at all USCIS service centers, field offices, asylum offices, and some overseas
offices and are directly supervised by their respective field leadership. FDNS IOs are responsible for
conducting administrative inquiries into suspected benefit fraud and aiding in the resolution of national
security or criminal concerns. FDNS IOs may also refer egregious public safety cases, national security
concerns, and fraud cases to ICE.
To initiate the administrative inquiry process, 3 FDNS IOs receive written fraud, national security,
and criminal referrals from ISOs. FDNS IOs may also receive referrals or Requests for Assistance (RFA) 4
from law enforcement partners and internal USCIS entities, or tip letters from the public. FDNS IOs
perform systems checks and research on the subject of the referral and then determine whether to take any
further action or decline the referral. If an investigation is deemed necessary, FDNS IOs will perform
further checks in USCIS, DHS, and federal databases, as well as public information 5 to verify information
provided on, and in support of, applications and petitions. If a referral is declined, FDNS IOs record the
case in the FDNS Data System (FDNS-DS), which is described below, and return the case to the ISO with
the reason for declination.
In conducting an administrative inquiry, FDNS IOs may perform one, or a combination, of the
following:

3

•

research in government and commercial databases and public records;

•

Internet searches of open source information;

•

searches of social media sites;

•

file reviews;

•

telephone calls;

•

site visits;

USCIS conducts administrative inquiries, ICE conducts criminal investigations.
RFAs may be satisfied with subject matter expertise, operational assistance, information, or a combination of any
of these. RFAs may be made by USCIS officers, in addition to external law enforcement and intelligence
organizations.
5
Public information includes any open source information legally accessible by anyone such as records of tax liens,
court documents, and information drawn from the Internet.
4

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•

interviews of applicants, beneficiaries, petitioners, and others;

•

requests for evidence;

•

administrative subpoenas;

•

requests for assistance; and

•

overseas verifications.

In addition to FDNS-DS, FDNS uses an unclassified SharePoint Services-based repository to manage
internal policy and operational documents, content, and reports. Role-based access is granted for officers
with a need to know. The repository provides a secure environment to facilitate collaboration among
HQFDNS personnel and between HQFDNS and its field officers. The data are protected using security
safeguards established by DHS.
In keeping with the audit controls and role-based access safeguards established under the DHS
SharePoint and Collaboration Sites PIA, 6 the FDNS SharePoint site has a designated site owner, or
administrator, responsible for determining the user base and ensuring the site is only used for approved
purposes such as internal collaboration and document and workflow management. The site owner ensures
that only users with a verifiable need to know have access privileges to the information on the FDNS
SharePoint site. The FDNS SharePoint environment includes a template with a “Sensitive Personally
Identifiable Information Allowed” banner at the top of pages approved to manage and share sensitive PII.
In addition, the FDNS SharePoint site follows the compliance restrictions placed on SharePoint usage by
completing this PIA and the accompanying SORNs. FDNS regularly reviews the information posted to the
SharePoint site, and if inappropriate posting of PII is discovered, FDNS ensures its immediate removal
from the site and reports the posting as a privacy incident.
Social Media Sites
USCIS is finalizing its policy for use of Social Media in compliance with the DHS Directive 11001, Privacy Policy for Operational Use of Social Media and Instruction 110-01-001. When completed,
FDNS IOs will be permitted to access social media sites when conducting administrative investigations
only after they have completed an annual training on use of social media and signed a “Rules of Behavior”
form. When conducting official government business, FDNS IOs will not establish accounts on social
media sites using fictitious names or information, or use personal accounts for official government business.
FDNS IOs must use government-issued equipment to access social media. FDNS IOs cannot communicate
with users of social media sites, and may only passively review information. Further, any information,
whether it is derogatory or not, found on a social media site that is used in an investigation must be printed
and saved in the applicant’s file and electronically within FDNS-DS. As with all derogatory information
found from publicly available sources, the applicant and/or petitioner must be provided with an appropriate
opportunity to explain or refute any information that conflicts with information he or she provided to USCIS
before a decision is made regarding the requested benefit. 7
6
7

See DHS/ALL/PIA-037 DHS SharePoint and Collaboration Sites, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
8 CFR § 103.2(b)(16).

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Access to these sites is helpful to FDNS in that the information contained therein may facilitate
validation or invalidation of information provided by the applicant and/or petitioner. Although USCIS does
not deny benefits solely based on publicly available information, the FDNS IO provide information found
in open sources for USCIS adjudications personnel to formulate a Request for Evidence (RFE), a Notice of
Intent to Deny (NOID) to the applicant or petitioner, or during an interview with the petitioner and/or
beneficiary. The applicant and/or petitioner will have the opportunity to explain and resolve any
inconsistencies among information sources prior to issuance of an adjudicative decision. The applicant
and/or petitioner will have an opportunity to file motions or appeals if the application or petition is denied.
Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP)
HQ FDNS developed the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP). Under
ASVVP, field FDNS IOs and contractors conduct site inspections to verify information, better identify and
target fraud cases for follow-up, and when appropriate, refer cases to ICE for investigation. Currently, all
religious organizations are subject to site inspections/compliance reviews prior to adjudication of Form I360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) or Form I-129 (R) (Petition for a
Nonimmigrant Worker). In addition, site inspections are conducted on H-1B applications (foreign workers
in specialty occupations) after adjudication of extension or change of status requests. Field FDNS IOs and
contract site inspectors verify information submitted with the petition, including supporting documentation
submitted by the petitioner. Field FDNS IOs and contract site inspectors also verify the existence of the
petitioning entity, take digital photos, review documents, and speak with organizational representatives to
confirm the beneficiary’s work location, employment workspace, hours, salary, duties, and overall
employer-employee relationship. Field FDNS IOs record their findings in FDNS-DS and submit a report
to the case adjudicator for final determination. Contract site inspectors submit their findings to Field FDNS
IOs, who consider the information in determining whether the petitioner and beneficiary are in compliance
with the terms and conditions outlined in the petition and the Field FDNS IOs forward a report on to the
case adjudicator for final determination. Petitioners are given the opportunity to address USCIS’s
derogatory findings.
Fraud Detection and National Security Data System
The Fraud Detection and National Security Data System (FDNS-DS) 8 is a central data repository
that FDNS IOs use to record, track, and manage the background check process related to immigration
applications and petitions, as well as information related to beneficiary applications with suspected or
confirmed fraud, criminal activity, public safety and/or national security concerns, and cases randomly
selected for benefit fraud assessments. FDNS-DS maintains information on all individuals who have been
reviewed for these concerns. In instances where no fraud, criminal activity, public safety and/or national
security concerns were found, the information maintained may be used to demonstrate an assessment was
conducted so that additional resources do not have be used for a second review.
FDNS IOs may share FDNS-DS data with law enforcement and intelligence agencies in response
to Requests for Information (RFIs) to support criminal and administrative investigations and background
checks involving immigrant benefit fraud, criminal activity, and public safety and/or national security
8

See DHS/USCIS/PIA-013 FDNS-DS PIA, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.

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concerns. For example, information may be shared with the Department of State (DOS), Bureau of
Consular Affairs to provide a comprehensive picture of a visa applicant’s status, and to reduce the likelihood
that an individual or group might fraudulently obtain an immigration benefit under the INA, as amended.
Also, selected ICE representatives have “read-only” access to FDNS-DS, which allows them access and
use of the most current information for purposes of criminal investigations.
Furthermore, this PIA is now covered by both DHS/USCIS-006 FDNS Records System of Records
Notice (SORN) and DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File [A-File], Index and National File Tracking (AFile SORN). 9
This PIA replaces the FDNS Directorate PIA published on July 30, 2012.

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?

The INA, 8 U.S.C. § 1101, et seq. provides the legal authority to collect information used for the
adjudication of immigration benefits. In addition to other delegations, the Secretary of Homeland Security
in Homeland Security Delegation No. 0150.1 paragraphs (H), (I), (J), (M), and (S) has delegated the
following authorities to USCIS:
•

Authority under section 103(a)(1) of the INA, as amended, 8 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(1), to administer
the immigration laws (as defined in Section 101(a)(17) of the INA);

•

Authority to investigate alleged civil and criminal violations of the immigration laws, including
but not limited to alleged fraud with respect to applications or determinations within the Bureau
of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) [predecessor to USCIS] and make
recommendations for prosecutions or other appropriate action when deemed advisable;

•

Authority to fingerprint and register aliens;

•

Authority to maintain files and records systems as necessary; and

•

Authority to take and consider evidence.10

The joint USCIS-ICE anti-fraud strategy was established by the Conference Report, FY 2005
Appropriations Act. 11 The Appropriations Act authorized USCIS to conduct law enforcement and
background checks on every applicant, beneficiary, and petitioner prior to granting immigration benefits.

9

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).
10
See DHS Delegation No. 0150.1 (effective March 1, 2003).
11
Conference Report to accompany H.R. 4567 [Report 108-774], “Making Appropriations for the Department of
Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2005,” p. 74, available at
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-108hrpt774/pdf/CRPT-108hrpt774.pdf.

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1.2

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

The following SORNs cover the information that is collected, used, disseminated during the course
of FDNS functions:

•

DHS/USCIS-006 - FDNS SORN 12

•

DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 - A-File SORN 13

These SORNs cover the records maintained in the Fraud Detection and National Security Data
System (FDNS-DS) as well as records maintained in other collaborative workspaces specifically set up for
FDNS and any paper records. Furthermore, the A-File SORN covers the use of the A-File for the purpose
of detecting, deterring, and combating immigration benefit fraud.
Finally, FDNS information derived from other USCIS systems is covered under that system’s
respective SORN until there is an indication of possible fraud, public safety or national security concern,
or criminal concern referred to FDNS by the public, other agencies, or USCIS employees.

1.3

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

Yes. The USCIS Office of Information Technology has completed and implemented a system
security plan, which complies with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). FDNSDS has also completed the Certification and Accreditation process and received an Authority to Operate,
granted in August 2011, which is effective through 2014.
The FDNS SharePoint sites are protected using security safeguards established by DHS. 14 The
privacy risks associated with the use of SharePoint to manage assets containing PII and/or SPII are misuse
of information, data spills, and unauthorized account access. To mitigate these risks, the FDNS SharePoint
site has a designated site owner, or administrator, responsible for determining the user base and ensuring
the site is only used for approved purposes such as internal collaboration and document and workflow
management. The site owner ensures that only users with a verifiable need to know have access privileges
to the information on the FDNS SharePoint site. In addition, the FDNS SharePoint site follows the
compliance restrictions placed on SharePoint usage through this PIA and the FDNS Records and A-File
SORNs. 15

12

DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411 (August 8, 2012).
DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013).
14
See DHS/ALL/PIA-037 DHS SharePoint and Collaboration Sites, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
15
See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).
13

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1.4

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

Yes. The Retention Schedule for FDNS [N1-566-08-18] was approved on June 25, 2008. NARA
approved a records retention schedule of 15 years from the date of the last interaction between FDNS
personnel and the individual for records maintained in FDNS and its associated subsystems. Records
related to an individual’s A-File are transferred to his or her A-File and maintained under the A-File
retention period [N1-566-08-11]. USCIS retains A-File records for 100 years from the individual’s date of
birth, and then transfers the records to NARA.

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.

There are no forms associated with this collection. However, FDNS may collect data from USCIS
applications and petitions that are covered by the PRA. See the CLAIMS 3 and CLAIMS 4 PIAs 16 for more
information on the various forms that cover the initial collection of information from the individual.

Section 2.0 Characterization of the Information
2.1

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

When FDNS initiates or considers a case for administrative inquiry because of suspected or
confirmed fraud, criminal activity, public safety and/or national security concerns, or reviews a case
randomly selected for benefit fraud assessments, it will collect and use some or all of the following data:

16

•

Individual’s name;

•

Alias(es);

•

Social Security number (SSN);

•

Alien Number (A-Number);

•

Associated A-Numbers of close relatives and associates;

•

Application Receipt Number;

•

Address (home and business);

•

Date of birth;

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

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•

Place of birth;

•

Driver’s License number;

•

Country of citizenship;

•

Citizenship status;

•

Gender;

•

Telephone number(s);

•

E-mail address;

•

Place of employment and employment history;

•

Associated organizations (e.g., corporate information relating to employing entity if
employment-based immigration benefits are being sought, and place of business or place of
worship if such organization is sponsoring the applicant);

•

Family lineage;

•

Bank account information and/or financial transaction history;

•

Marriage record;

•

Civil or criminal history information;

•

Publically available information provided by the applicant on social media websites;

•

Education record;

•

Information from commercial data providers in order to verify information provided on the
application;

•

Biometric identifiers (e.g., photographic facial image, fingerprints, signature);

•

TECS, National Crime Information Center, and data and analysis resulting from the
investigation or routine background checks performed as part of the adjudication process; and

•

Other unique identifying numbers or characteristics such as passport number(s), visa
number(s), account numbers, and identifiers associated with travel.

•

FDNS-DS will also maintain the status of a particular case whether it is open or closed, what
information was passed to the ISOs, and the recommendation made to ISO.

FDNS may also retain information on Representatives and Preparers in the event their information is linked
to a case in FDNS-DS. Collected information includes the following data:
•

Representative and/or Preparer information maintained in the Form G-28, Notice of
Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative;

•

Name;

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•

Address;

•

Phone number;

•

Fax number;

•

Email address;

•

Bar number;

•

State of bar membership;

•

Date of filing; and

•

Associated client case information.

In addition, FDNS may gather additional data on Representatives or Preparers that are the subject or
associated with a fraud, public safety, or national security concern based on applications submitted on
behalf of individuals seeking an immigration benefit.

2.2

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

FDNS collects and maintains information on individuals with suspected or confirmed fraud,
criminal activity, public safety and/or national security concerns, and cases randomly selected for benefit
fraud assessments. In order to carry out this mission, FDNS collects information from multiple sources and
stores it in FDNS-DS. In addition to FDNS-DS, FDNS uses an unclassified Sharepoint Services-based
repository to manage internal policy and operational documents, content, and other information relating to
cases. The repository provides an environment to facilitate collaboration among HQFDNS personnel and
between HQFDNS and its field offices. This data is protected using security safeguards established by
DHS.
The sources include applications and supporting documents submitted by the applicant; interviews
with current/past employers, family members, petitioners or applicants; results of ASVVP site visits; direct
access to other federal law enforcement systems; information obtained from commercial data providers;
state and local government databases; and public source information, such as newspapers and/or the
internet. Information is also compiled during the process of answering RFIs from law enforcement and
intelligence agencies, as well as when FDNS refers cases to law enforcement entities such as ICE and the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
USCIS Sources
•

USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)

•

Service Center Computer Linked Adjudication Information Management System
(SCCLAIMS);

•

Benefits Biometric Support System (BBSS);

•

Enterprise Service Bus/Person Centric Query System (ESB/PCQS);

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•

CLAIMS 3;

•

CLAIMS 4;

•

Central Index System (CIS);

•

Change of Address Form (AR11 System and Form);

•

Refugee, Asylum, and Parole System (RAPS);

•

Asylum Pre-Screening System (APSS);

•

Interim Case Management Solution (ICMS);

•

Customer Profile Management System (CPMS);

•

National File Tracking System (NFTS);

•

Enterprise Citizenship and Immigration Service Centralized Oracle Repository
(eCISCOR);

•

External Data Interface Standards (EDIS);

•

Customer Representative System;

•

Validation Initiative for Business Enterprise (VIBE);

•

Scheduling Notification for Applicant Processing (SNAP); and

•

Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

Other DHS Sources
•

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) TECS;

•

CBP Arrival and Departure System (ADIS).

•

DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Automated Biometric
Identification System (IDENT); and

Other Federal Agency Sources
FDNS receives information from the FBI on applicants as a result of fingerprint and name checks.
FDNS may also receive information from the DOS’s Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) and other
government databases when needed to address national security concerns and facilitate pilot programs. 17
As part of the RFI where USCIS is requested to provide relevant information to another agency for
law enforcement, national security, and/or fraud purposes, the request will be maintained in FDNS-DS
along with any response.

17

See Appendix A.

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For an RFA process where USCIS is requesting information on a particular individual or group of
individuals, FDNS maintains the information requested and provided from other agencies in FDNS-DS.
This information is compiled during the process of reviewing and answering requests for assistance or
information from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as when FDNS refers cases to law
enforcement components such as ICE and the FBI.
Public Sources, including Commercial Data
FDNS uses a number of open source and publicly available web-based resources when
investigating potential fraud leads or cases with national security and intelligence implications. The use of
public and commercial sources is discussed in detail below.
Other Data Sources
Finally, FDNS receives information from external governmental and non-governmental entities
related to suspected fraud, public safety, and national security concerns. FDNS may receive unsolicited
information regarding applications and petitions by outside parties via email, letter, phone call, or in-person.
Any information received through these methods may be considered in the adjudication process, but will
not be relied upon as the sole basis for an adverse determination by USCIS. Rather, the applicant and/or
petitioner will have the opportunity to provide additional information to explain and resolve any
discrepancies produced as a result of this information. This information may contain PII and is handled in
accordance with DHS and USCIS policy and procedures, including this PIA and accompanying SORNs.

2.3

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

Yes. FDNS obtains information from a limited number of commercial data providers and manually
records relevant data in FDNS-DS. FDNS also consults public sources such as the Internet, social media,
news feeds, and state and local public records, including court records, to verify the historical, biographical,
financial, and personal information presented by applicants to detect the possibility of immigration benefit
fraud and public safety and national security concerns.
In addition to FDNS-DS, FDNS uses an unclassified Sharepoint Services-based repository to
manage internal policy and operational documents, content, and reports. The repository provides an
environment to facilitate collaboration among HQFDNS personnel and between HQFDNS and its field
officers. If during the search of publicly-available sources FDNS identifies relevant information to a case,
it will maintain it in either FDNS-DS or the FDNS SharePoint Services site pursuant to the FDNS SORN. 18
FDNS does not make fraud, national security, and/or public safety determinations solely on this publiclyavailable information; rather, FDNS uses it as a verification of information already provided by the
applicant and/or petitioner. The applicant and/or petitioner will be provided the opportunity to refute any
inconsistencies arising from commercial, public records, or publicly available data sources.

18

See DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411 (August 8, 2012).

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2.4

Discuss how accuracy of the data is ensured.

All information obtained by FDNS IOs and reviewed by ISOs is reviewed in accordance with a
strict set of internal procedures intended to ensure that actionable derogatory information meets the
standards for evidence established by the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office, the Department of Justice
(DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and the federal court system. Most of the
information collected and maintained within USCIS systems is provided directly from immigration benefit
applicants. FDNS-DS primarily relies on information collected by other USCIS systems at the point of
application intake and therefore relies on the accuracy of those systems. In addition, all USCIS forms notify
the applicant and petitioner that information provided may be further verified and, in many cases, in-person
interviews are conducted to ensure the accuracy of the provided information.
FDNS incorporates strenuous verification procedures to ensure accuracy of data before an
immigration benefit decision is made by adjudications. These procedures include direct queries of DHS
and other government agency databases as well as USCIS ISO interviews with applicants or petitioners.
Public source information is used to verify or identify inconsistencies with information provided by
applicants or petitioners as part of their application for immigration-related benefits. In any case where
USCIS contemplates denial, rescission, or revocation of an immigration benefit based on evidence of fraud,
the petitioner or applicant will be given an opportunity to review and rebut the evidence.

2.5

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Characterization of the
Information

Privacy Risk: There is a risk of collecting more information than necessary.
Mitigation: FDNS collects extensive information on individuals in the course of a review of
possible national security concerns, public safety threats, or indications of fraud. FDNS has determined
that in order to have the best evidence available to support a case, it is necessary to collect large amounts
of sensitive PII. This information is required to ensure that FDNS makes the correct determination about
the correct individual regarding national security, public safety, or fraud cases and enables adjudications to
make a decision on the benefit application.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk in relying on data obtained through commercial data, public sources,
or social media since that information may be inaccurate.
Mitigation: Public source information is not used as the sole basis upon which to deny an
immigration benefit, investigate benefit fraud, or identify public safety and national security concerns due
to the inherent lack of data integrity. The commercial source and public information is used to attempt to
identify immigration benefit fraud and public safety and national security concerns by comparing historical,
biographical, financial, and personal information presented by the immigration benefits applicant or
petitioner against third-party sources, wherever possible.
All FDNS Officers are trained to consider information derived from sources other than the applicant
and/or petitioner, but are also cautioned about its accuracy. Due to its inherent lack of data integrity, public
source information is not used as the sole basis upon which to deny an immigration benefit, investigate

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benefit fraud, or identify public safety and national security concerns.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk of obtaining data from new sources that have not been approved for
use in determining possible benefit fraud, public safety, and national security concerns.
Mitigation: In order to reduce the risk of new data being incorporated into FDNS that has not been
reviewed for privacy and legal concerns, this PIA has been drafted to allow routine review of new data
sources and updates to be made as necessary. Additionally, DHS has issued a directive on the use of social
media web sites to bring additional education to the risks of using such data sources.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk of obtaining inaccurate data.
Mitigation: In order to improve the accuracy of the information, USCIS has developed policies
and procedures for safeguarding data aggregated within FDNS from several different sources. This includes
using public record data, data from commercial data providers, as well as other publicly available data
including social media and news and reviewing existing data in USCIS’s files with information outside of
USCIS. If inaccurate information is found during the process of reviewing a file, FDNS will contact
personnel within the USCIS Records Division who are authorized to make the changes to the data in the
source system. FDNS will also correct inaccuracies in FDNS-DS and other locations where FDNS records
are maintained. Additionally, if information is found that will impact whether an individual is granted a
benefit, the individual will be provided the opportunity to review the information.

Section 3.0 Uses of the Information
3.1

Describe how and why the project uses the information.

FDNS-DS is the central data repository that permits HQ and Field FDNS IOs to record, track, and
manage the background check and adjudicative process related to immigration applications and petitions,
as well as beneficiary applications with suspected or confirmed fraud, criminal activity, public safety and/or
national security concerns, and cases randomly selected for benefit fraud assessments. In addition to FDNSDS, FDNS has created collaborative workspace that allows employees in HQ and the field share
information consistent with the SORNs for FDNS records. 19
The information collected and maintained within FDNS system of records is used as part of a
variety of National Security Vetting Initiatives to determine benefit fraud, criminal activity, public safety,
and national security concerns within the immigration benefit determination process. FDNS-DS is used as
a central repository of information collected from the applicant, other government databases, and open
sources to assist HQ and FDNS IOs in determining whether immigration fraud or other criminal acts have
occurred. FDNS also uses the information to determine whether there may be additional cases that might
be associated with identified fraud schemes or national security concerns. FDNS conducts different pilots
to identify improvements in its security vetting. FDNS will use the PTA process and the appendix to this
PIA to document the new processes, including sharing agreements.
19

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).

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Commercial data, public records, data from social media web sites and publicly available data are
also used to help validate or identify inconsistencies with information already on file as part of an
application with USCIS; however, the information is not used as the sole basis upon which to deny an
immigration benefit.
Any additional data may be stored in FDNS-DS or in an appropriate location in the FDNS
SharePoint Services site. Case information is stored and managed in FDNS-DS. SharePoint allows officers
to access informational reports that may contain individual case information.

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. Neither FDNS-DS nor the other information technology tool run pattern-based queries or
searches for FDNS. FDNS-DS only runs reports to allow employees to analyze data relating to cases
involving suspected fraud, public safety, or national security. FDNS may use the results to facilitate the
identification of fraud patterns or trends, as well as previously unknown associations between applicants
involved in fraud who pose national security or public safety concerns. FDNS will place the information it
collects, derogatory or not, in the FDNS-DS record for each individual.

3.3

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

A limited number of ICE personnel have “read-only” access to FDNS-DS. FDNS may share
specific information with ICE to determine whether criminal investigation or law enforcement action is
required. In addition, FDNS may share information with DHS I&A if a potential nexus to terrorism is
identified or if the information has intelligence value. Only FDNS employees have access to the
collaborative workspace.
When another DHS component such as CBP requests information on an individual because of
concerns related to fraud, criminal activity, public safety and/or national security, FDNS IOs review the
request, log it in FDNS-DS, and provide the requested information to the component, as appropriate.
Responsive information will be shared via secure government networks. FDNS information may be used
to assist CBP in their decision on whether to allow an alien to enter the country.

3.4

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to the Uses of Information

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that information contained within FDNS system will not be used
consistent with its original purpose and authority.
Mitigation: Consistent with FDNS’s mission of detecting, deterring, and combating immigration
benefit fraud, all information contained within FDNS is used to identify and track possible benefit fraud,
criminal activity related to immigrants and non-immigrants, public safety, and national security concerns.
These uses are consistent with the notice provided to individuals in the Privacy Act Statements on all USCIS

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forms, as well as this PIA and the corresponding SORNs. 20
Privacy Risk: There is a risk that use of commercial or publicly available information, including
social media, may contribute to an erroneous adverse effect on an individual, such as denial of an
immigration benefit.
Mitigation: Information collected from commercial and public data sources are only used to
corroborate and enhance information obtained by USCIS directly from an individual during the immigrant
benefit application process. Immigration benefit determinations are not based solely on commercial and
public data, but instead this information is used to corroborate an individual’s identity or benefit claim
requests. FDNS trains IOs on the appropriate use of commercial and public source information to preserve
the data accuracy and integrity of the original information submitted by the applicant.
There is also a risk that new information produced during the research and investigation process
may be inaccurate or incorrect and may lead to the determination of a denial of a benefit for an individual.
Public source information is only used to verify or identify inconsistencies with information provided by
applicants or petitioners as part of their application for immigration-related benefits. In any case where
USCIS contemplates denial, rescission, or revocation of an immigration benefit based on evidence of fraud,
the petitioner or applicant will be given an opportunity to review and rebut the evidence.
Additionally, USCIS maintains audit logs for all individuals who access social media websites, and
these, along with information placed into FDNS-DS as the result of social media use, are reviewed
periodically by the USCIS Privacy Officer for compliance with DHS policy on use of social media websites.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk of an inappropriate assumption that all individuals listed within
FDNS-DS or other FDNS records maintained outside of FDNS-DS have engaged in fraudulent
immigration-related practices or pose a public safety or national security risk.
Mitigation: Cases within FDNS-DS as well as the collaborative workspace that are resolved
without a finding of fraud are documented clearly in FDNS-DS. These cases are marked with “no fraud
found” and contain a statement of findings within the system. This statement will contain a summary of
the case and FDNS IO’s recommendations to ISOs as to fraud and/or national security concerns.
Privacy Risk: For certain security vetting projects, FDNS must make a copy of the data in FDNSDS and share with other IT systems. There is a risk that data will be inaccurately copied. There is also a
risk that the data may be taken out of context.
Mitigation: FDNS reconciles data to ensure that the data transferred from FDNS-DS to other
systems is transferred accurately and completely. FDNS performs regular audits if an ongoing feed is
used. FDNS also ensures that the data copied out of FDNS-DS and the collaborative workspace are deleted
at the end of any security vetting projects. If information from FDNS-DS is shared with individuals who
are not regular users of the system, FDNS will train the user or reviewer to ensure that the nature and

20

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).

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purpose of the data in FDNS system is understood.

Section 4.0 Notice
4.1

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

Notice is provided to all applicants/petitioners at the time of collection through a Privacy Act
Statement on all USCIS forms. Records within FDNS are primarily based on records from underlying
USCIS systems, which intake the information directly from the applicant/petitioner. Notice of collection
by the underlying USCIS systems performing the original collection is described in the individual PIAs and
SORNs for those systems. Notice to individuals is also provided through the publication of this PIA and
the corresponding FDNS and A-File SORNs. 21
In addition to Privacy Act Statements on all USCIS forms, USCIS forms also notify the applicant
and petitioner that information provided may be verified by USCIS. FDNS IOs may verify information by
conducting interviews during site visits. Upon identifying themselves and notifying the applicant or
beneficiary of the reason for the site visit, the FDNS IO will request permission to speak with an applicant,
petitioner, or beneficiary immediately prior to beginning the interview. Prior to scheduling an interview
with an applicant or petitioner, the ISO must send a Form G-56, Interview Notice to the applicant and his
or her attorney or accredited representative. Notice is given to an applicant’s attorney when an
administrative site visit or interview will occur, unless notice would jeopardize the site visit or interview.

4.2

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

Applicants who seek USCIS benefits are presented with a Privacy Act Statement and a signaturerequired release authorization for the relevant benefit application/petition. The Privacy Act Statement
details the authority for requesting the information and purpose of the information collection. The
applicant’s signature on the form serves as certification that the applicant authorizes the release of any
information from the applicant’s record that USCIS will access to determine eligibility. Applicants are
notified at the point of data collection (generally in the form itself) of the right to decline to provide the
required information; however, such action may result in the denial of the applicant’s benefit request.
The particular use policies of the underlying USCIS systems that originally collected the
applicant/petitioner information from which FDNS draws and accesses data are set by those systems
individually. FDNS itself does not give individuals the right to consent to particular uses of information,
as doing so would limit the usefulness of the information for fraud detection and national security purposes.

21

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).

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4.3

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Notice

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that individuals are unaware of the uses for which their information
is collected.
Mitigation: Applicants for USCIS benefits are made aware that the information they are providing
is being collected to determine whether they are eligible for immigration benefits through a Privacy Act
Statement on the application instructions for all USCIS forms.

Section 5.0 Data Retention by the project
5.1

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

USCIS retains application information to assist in identifying applicants who threaten national
security and public safety; detecting, pursuing, and deterring immigration benefit fraud; and identifying and
removing systemic vulnerabilities in the process of the legal immigration system.
USCIS retains FDNS-DS records for 15 years from the date of the last interaction between FDNS
personnel and the individual, no matter the determination. Upon closure of a case pertaining to an
individual, any information that is pertinent to the adjudicative decision (such as a Statement of Findings
(SOF)), whether there was or was not an indication of fraud, criminal activity, egregious public safety, or
national security concerns, is transferred to the associated A-File. USCIS retains the A-File for 100 years
from the subject’s date of birth. The file is then retired to NARA for permanent storage. All data contained
in other USCIS data systems, such as RAPS and CLAIMS 3, are governed by their respective retention
schedules.
Records maintained in the SharePoint site follow the same retention period as FDNS-DS.
SharePoint allows FDNS to note when a document is loaded onto the site, and FDNS administrators of the
site will regularly review the creation date of content and remove it when the retention period expires.

5.2

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Retention

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that data will be retained longer than necessary. This would increase
the risk of unauthorized access, use, and loss of the data.
Mitigation: FDNS mitigates this risk by destroying FDNS-DS and SharePoint data in accordance
with approved NARA records retention schedules.
The 15-year retention schedule for FDNS data provides access to information that can be critical
to research related to suspected or confirmed fraud, criminal activity, egregious public safety, or national
security concerns for applicants/petitioners who may still be receiving immigration benefits. In addition,
should the individual apply for another benefit, retention of the information can eliminate the need for
research on concerns that were previously addressed. This time frame also allows FDNS to ensure that
cases that were reviewed and determined to have no nexus to fraud, criminal activity, egregious public
safety, or national security concerns are not opened again because old information is recycled.

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Section 6.0 Information Sharing
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.
Yes. FDNS shares information outside of DHS when USCIS receives an RFI, when it proactively
discloses based on information in the record, and when asking an outside organization for additional
information related to an individual. Access may be provided through direct user accounts or through
copying of data to electronic device.
Specific requests for information are governed by the originating system of records notice for the
underlying USCIS records (e.g., DHS/USCIS – 007 Benefits Information System (BIS)). In such instances,
USCIS may share the PII listed in Section 2.1 of this PIA with federal, state, tribal, local, international, or
foreign law enforcement and intelligence agencies, in response to an RFI in support of criminal and
administrative investigations and background checks involving immigrant benefit fraud, criminal activity,
public safety, and national security concerns.
Through direct user account access, FDNS may share information with DOS, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, to provide a comprehensive picture of a visa applicant’s status and to reduce the likelihood that an
individual or group might fraudulently obtain an immigration benefit under INA, as amended. DOS has
read-only access to FDNS-DS.
Proactive disclosure based on information in the system occurs when FDNS has an indication of
possible fraud, national security, or public safety concerns. In these cases, FDNS may proactively share
information with other government entities as described under the FDNS and A-File SORNs. 22
At the request of DHS, RFIs for national security purposes from external entities are coordinated
through DHS I&A. USCIS responses are provided via government secure networks. All other requests are
processed by USCIS. Responses provided by field offices are also provided via secure methods.

6.2

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

Direct account access by DOS, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is covered by FDNS SORN routine use
I and A-File SORN routine use O, which permits USCIS to share PII with DOS, Bureau of Consular Affairs,
in the processing of petitions or applications for benefits. This is compatible with the original collection
under INA which requires USCIS to administer immigration laws. Information may also be shared with
DOS, Bureau of Consular Affairs, to provide a comprehensive picture of a visa applicant’s status, and to
reduce the likelihood that an individual or group might fraudulently obtain an immigration benefit under

22

See DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 69864
(November 21, 2013); DHS/USCIS-006 Fraud Detection and National Security Records (FDNS), 77 FR 47411
(August 8, 2012).

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INA, as amended.
Proactive disclosures are covered by the FDNS SORN, routine use H, which permits FDNS to share
PII with federal and foreign government intelligence or counterterrorism agencies when USCIS reasonably
believes there is a threat or potential threat to national or international security.
Proactive disclosures are also covered by routine use H and II of A-File SORN. Routine use H
permits USCIS to share A-File information with appropriate federal, state, tribal, local, or foreign
governmental agencies or multilateral governmental organizations responsible for investigating or
prosecuting the violations of, or for enforcing or implementing, a statute, rule, regulation, order, or license,
when DHS believes the information would assist in enforcing applicable civil or criminal laws. A-File
SORN routine use II permits sharing with a federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, international, or foreign
criminal, civil, or regulatory law enforcement authority when the information is necessary for collaboration,
coordination, and de-confliction of investigative matters, prosecutions, and/or other law enforcement
actions to avoid duplicative or disruptive efforts and to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers who
may be working on related law enforcement matters.
These disclosures are compatible with the original collection because the INA requires USCIS to
investigate alleged civil and criminal violations of immigration laws, including alleged fraud with respect
to applications or determinations within USCIS. In addition, the INA provides for terrorist-related bars that
may serve as the basis for denial of a requested benefit. The INA also requires USCIS to make
recommendations for prosecutions or other appropriate actions when deemed advisable.

6.3

Does the project place limitations on re-dissemination?

Yes. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between USCIS and DOS, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, fully outlines responsibilities of the parties, security standards, and limits of use of the information,
including re-dissemination. Methods and controls over dissemination of information are coordinated
between USCIS and DOS, Bureau of Consular Affairs, prior to information sharing. Depending on the
context of other sharing, DHS may place additional controls on the re-dissemination of the information.

6.4

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

FDNS maintains a record of disclosure of FDNS information made with agencies in accordance
with a routine use or with whom it has an information sharing agreement. A record is kept on file of each
disclosure and system audit trail logs are maintained to identify transactions performed by both internal and
external users.

Field FDNS IOs are detailed to various government agencies as immigration subject matter
experts. All Field FDNS IOs must abide by all privacy laws and legal requirements before sharing any
immigration information.

6.5

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Information Sharing

Privacy Risk: There is a risk of misuse, unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, information.

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Mitigation: As discussed above, FDNS maintains a record of each disclosure of FDNS
information made with every agency in accordance with the routine use or with whom it has an information
sharing agreement. A record is kept on file of each disclosure, including the date the disclosure was made,
the agency to which the information was provided, the purpose of the disclosure, and a description of the
data provided.
The electronic sharing of data with external agencies is conducted over government secure
networks. All personnel within the receiving agency and its components are trained on the appropriate use
and safeguarding of data. In addition, each external agency with whom the information is shared has
policies and procedures in place to ensure there is no unauthorized dissemination of the information
provided by FDNS. Any disclosure must be compatible with the purpose for which the information was
originally collected and only authorized users with a need to know may have access to the information
contained in FDNS-DS. DHS information is covered by the third-party discovery rule, which precludes
agencies outside of DHS that have received the information from DHS from sharing with additional partners
without the consent of DHS.
Risks are further mitigated by provisions set forth in MOAs or Memoranda of Understanding
(MOUs) with federal and foreign government agencies and United States government employees must
undergo annual privacy and security awareness training.

Section 7.0 Redress
7.1

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

Because FDNS contains sensitive information related to possible immigration benefit fraud and
national security concerns, DHS has exempted FDNS from the notification, access, and amendment
provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552a(k)(2). Notwithstanding the applicable
exemptions, USCIS reviews all such requests on a case-by-case basis. Where such a request is made, and
access would not appear to interfere with or adversely affect the national or homeland security of the United
States or activities related to any investigatory material contained within this system, the applicable
exemption may be waived at the discretion of USCIS, and in accordance with procedures and points of
contact published in the applicable SORNs.
Any individual seeking to access information maintained by FDNS should direct his or her request
to:
National Records Center
Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Program
P. O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010
Requests for access to records must be in writing. Such requests may be submitted by mail or in
person. If a request for access is made by mail, the envelope and letter must be clearly marked “Privacy

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Access Request” to ensure proper and expeditious processing. The requester should provide his or her full
name, date and place of birth, and verification of identity in accordance with DHS regulations governing
Privacy Act requests (found at 6 CFR 5.21), and any other identifying information that may be of assistance
in locating the record.
The information requested may; however, be exempt from disclosure under the Privacy Act
because FDNS records, with respect to an individual, may sometimes contain law enforcement sensitive
information. The release of law enforcement sensitive information could possibly compromise ongoing
criminal investigations.
Additional information about Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for
USCIS records can be found at http://www.uscis.gov.

7.2

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

The data accessed by FDNS from underlying USCIS source systems may be corrected by means
of the processes described in the PIAs and SORNs for those systems. In addition, prior to using commercial,
public, and other agency information to render adjudicative decisions, applicants and petitioners are given
an opportunity to refute the derogatory information. Petitioners are also afforded appeal and motion
opportunities. In the event inaccuracies are noted, files and FDNS-DS records will be updated.

7.3

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

Individuals are notified of the procedures for correcting their information on USCIS forms, the
USCIS website, the SORNs, and this PIA.

7.4

Privacy Impact Analysis: Related to Redress

Privacy Risk: There is a risk that individuals may be unaware of their ability to make requests for
access to their records in FDNS-DS.
Mitigation: Notice on how to file a Privacy Act request about records contained in FDNS-DS is
provided by this PIA and the FDNS SORN. Individuals can request access to information about themselves
through the Privacy Act/FOIA process, and may also request that their information be amended by
contacting the National Records Center. The nature of FDNS-DS and the data it collects, processes, and
stores is such that it limits the ability of individuals to access or correct their information. Each request for
access or correction is individually evaluated.

Section 8.0 Auditing and Accountability
8.1

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

Access and security controls have been established to mitigate privacy risks associated with

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authorized and unauthorized uses, specifically misuse and inappropriate dissemination of data. Access to
FDNS-DS is generally read-only. Some FDNS-DS users have “read,” “write,” and “modify” privileges.
All account access and privileges are approved by the USCIS business owner. When employment at USCIS
is terminated or an employee’s responsibilities no longer require access to FDNS records and FDNS-DS,
access privileges are removed.
Audit trails are kept in order to track and identify unauthorized uses of FDNS-DS information. The
audit trails include the ability to identify specific records each user accesses. A warning banner is provided
at all access points to inform users of the consequences associated with unauthorized use of information.
The banner warns authorized and unauthorized users about the appropriate uses of the system, that the
system may be monitored for improper use and illicit activity, and the penalties for inappropriate usage and
non-compliance. A user must click on the agreement to proceed with login.
In addition, user access to FDNS-DS is limited to personnel who need the information to perform
their job functions. Only users with proper permissions, roles, and security attributes are authorized to
access the system. Each user is obligated to sign and adhere to a user access agreement, which outlines the
appropriate rules of behavior tailored for FDNS-DS. The system administrator is responsible for granting
the appropriate level of access. Furthermore, all employees are properly trained on the use of information
in accordance with DHS policies, procedures, regulations, and guidance.
FDNS conducts annual security assessments of FDNS-DS in accordance with FISMA
requirements. Furthermore, FDNS-DS complies with the DHS 4300A security guidelines, which provide
hardening criteria for securing networks, computers, and computer services against attack and unauthorized
information dissemination. Additionally, FDNS is subject to random Office of Inspector General (OIG)
and/or any DHS assigned third-party security audits.
In keeping with the audit controls and role-based access safeguards established under the DHS
SharePoint and Collaboration Sites PIA, 23 the FDNS SharePoint site has a designated site owner, or
administrator, responsible for determining the user base and ensuring the site is only used for approved
purposes such as internal collaboration and document and workflow management. The site owner ensures
that only users with a verifiable need to know have access privileges to the information on the FDNS
SharePoint site. The FDNS SharePoint environment includes a template with a “Sensitive Personally
Identifiable Information Allowed” banner at the top of pages approved to manage and share sensitive PII.
In addition, the FDNS SharePoint site follows the compliance restrictions placed on SharePoint usage by
completing this PIA and the accompanying SORNs. FDNS regularly reviews the information posted to the
SharePoint site, and if inappropriate posting of PII is discovered, FDNS ensures its immediate removal
from the site and reports the posting as a privacy incident.

8.2

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

USCIS employees receive the required annual Computer Security Awareness training and Privacy
Act training. In addition, FDNS requires that all FDNS-DS users receive training in the use of FDNS-DS
23

See DHS/ALL/PIA-037 DHS SharePoint and Collaboration Sites, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy.

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prior to being approved for access to the system. This training addresses the use of the system and
appropriate privacy concerns, including Privacy Act obligations (e.g., SORNs, Privacy Act Statements).

8.3

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

Users receive access to FDNS records and FDNS-DS only on a need-to-know basis. This need-toknow is determined by the individual’s current job functions. Users may have read-only access to the
information if they have a legitimate need to know as validated by their supervisor and the system owner,
and have successfully completed all personnel security and privacy training requirements.
A user requesting access must complete and submit Forms G-872A and B, USCIS and End User
Application for Access. This application provides the justification for the level of access requested. The
requestor’s supervisor, the system owner, and the USCIS Office of the Chief Information Officer will
review this request; if approved, the requestor’s clearance level is independently confirmed and the user
account established.
Criteria, procedures, controls, and responsibilities regarding FDNS systems access are contained
in the Sensitive System Security Plan for FDNS. Additionally, there are several department and
government-wide regulations and directives that provide additional guidance and direction.

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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?
MOAs/MOUs between USCIS and other components of DHS, as well as MOAs/MOUs between
USCIS or DHS and other agencies, define information sharing procedures for data maintained by FDNS.
MOAs/MOUs document the requesting agency or component’s legal authority to acquire such information,
as well as USCIS’s permission to share in its use under the legal authority granted by the INA. All
MOAs/MOUs have been reviewed by the program, USCIS Privacy Officer, and the DHS Chief Privacy
Officer.

Responsible Officials
Donald K. Hawkins
Privacy Officer
Department of Homeland Security

Approval Signature

Original signed and on file with the DHS Privacy Office.
________________________________
Karen L. Neuman
Chief Privacy Officer
Department of Homeland Security

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APPENDIX A
Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program Load Balancing Utility (ASVVP Load
Balancing Utility)
Summary:
FDNS is launching the ASVVP Load Balancing Utility which is a Microsoft Access data form
linked to a secure SQL server database to collect receipt data and manage the case selection process. FDNS
employees will manually enter the application receipt number, the date the application was adjudicated as
“approved,” the validity period of the application, and the beneficiary’s work site address located within
the file. Cases subject to review include all applications that FDNS currently conducts an ASVVP site visit
and are considered relevant to the ASVVP project mission, by type of form, class preference, and other
pertinent criteria.
The database will also contain tables that provide geographical connections between USCIS Field
Offices and all zip codes throughout the U.S. and protectorates. The ASVVP Load Balancing Utility
combines the geographical zip code/Field Office information with the zip code of the Work Site Address
to pre-filter the eligible applications into groups based on proximity to a Field Office. Regional managers
can then select a Field Office, and the utility will then present the total number of eligible records located
within range of the selected Field Office. The regional managers will enter a number representing the
estimated work load limit for the selected Field Office and submit a request for randomization. The utility
will then randomly select the requested number of applications from the displayed list and provide an
exportable workload list for the selected office. Each randomly selected petition will be flagged in the utility
so it cannot be selected twice.
The spreadsheets derived from the utility will contain the field office identifier, the receipt number
for the application, the approval and validity dates, and the work site address. This information will be
attached to an email and sent via secure means (i.e., encrypted) to the Service Center Fraud Detection
Operation (CFDO) units to be utilized by Service Center personnel in pulling the records that are to be
entered into FDNS-DS under the existing FDNS-DS PIA.
The expected result of the use of this utility will be a level playing field that affords reasonable
workloads to USCIS Field Offices while maintaining as much of the random selection process as possible.
This is a desktop type utility that uses non-sensitive data from recognized sources to enhance the
workload balancing for the entire ASVVP. The overall benefit of this utility will be to enforce the stability
and efficiency of the ASVVP.
Data Elements:
Data will include the application receipt number, the date the application was adjudicated as
“approved,” the validity period of the application, the beneficiary’s work site address located within the
file, and geographical Zip code/Field Office information.

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Population:
Cases subject to review under ASVVP.
Privacy Mitigation:
Access to the ASVVP Load Balancing Utility is determined by the FDNS ASVVP program which
approves access on an individual basis. User login information is recorded in the data structure and is used
to validate access. Unless the user’s login information is validated, neither access to the SQL database nor
the Microsoft Access front end is allowed. General users have read only access and there are a small number
of manager level users. Manager level users access data based on their location only. The data are of limited
scope. Users can only select and/or edit within regional/office profiles that are controlled by rigid filtering.
No deletions are permitted except on request to the data managers.

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APPENDIX C
Form I-854, Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record
Summary:
The USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) Law Enforcement Support
Operation (LESO) Branch adjudicates benefit applications and ancillary benefits, coordinates with USCIS
field offices for various programs, generates notional documents for undercover operations, and provides
advice on law enforcement and intelligence agency-sponsored immigration benefits programs. One of the
roles of FDNS is to provide immigration assistance to law enforcement entities. The S nonimmigrant
program falls under this responsibility.
Congress established the S nonimmigrant program as part of the Violent Crime Control Act of
1994. This program provides a nonimmigrant status for alien witnesses or informants who meet the
requirements and are sponsored by law enforcement entities. The alien witness or informant may be eligible
to receive S nonimmigrant status by: (1) providing critical and reliable information concerning a criminal
or terrorist origination or enterprise; (2) willing to supply such information to law enforcement entities or
court; or (3) showing his or her presence in the U.S. is essential to the success of a criminal investigation
or prosecution of an individual involved in a criminal or terrorist organization or enterprise. Law
enforcement agencies (LEA) use USCIS Form I-854, Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record, to
bring alien witnesses and informants to the United States in an S nonimmigrant classification.
24

Form I-854 is used to place an alien in S nonimmigrant status or to recommend the alien for
adjustment of status. 25 Form I-854 is submitted by the sponsoring LEA to request inadmissibility waivers
for the alien and as a supporting document when submitting an application for permanent residence on
behalf of a witness or informant. The form is circulated through several entities for review and concurrence
before reaching USCIS, starting with the sponsoring LEA, the alien, a United States Attorney’s office, U.S.
Department of State, and U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, before finally reaching USCIS.
Each of these entities provides its signatory endorsement, which is required under 8 CFR Part 214.2(t)(4).
The concurrence of each entity is required in order to waive any inadmissibility. When Form I-854 reaches
USCIS, the form and supporting documentation are presented to the Associate Director of FDNS and a
decision is made to approve or deny the request. Upon USCIS approval of the status, Form I-854 and all
documentation provided in support of the Form are placed in the alien’s respective Alien File (A-File).
USCIS provides an approval letter to the LEA and the applicant may choose to submit an I-765, Application
for Employment Authorization.
FDNS reviews the Form I-854 in support of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status. USCIS will then process the Form I-485 pursuant to USCIS adjudicator’s
standard operating procedures.

24
25

Pub. L. No. 103-322 § 13003, 108 Stat. 1796, 2024-26 (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(S) (2012)).
This step occurs after the individual has completed the terms and conditions of his or her S classification.

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Data Elements:
USCIS may collect personally identifiable information (PII) about the alien witness or informant
and the alien witness or informant’s derivative family members in connection with a Form I-854 filing,
including: name, alias, address, A-Number, current location of alien, marital status, marital history, date of
birth, place of birth, nationality, occupation, employment history, criminal history, FBI number, e-mail
address, Social Security Number, passport number, travel document number, S-Visa number, country of
issuance of passport or travel document, expiration date of passport or travel document, place of last entry,
date of last entry into the U.S., current immigration status, class of admission, country of origin, and gender.
USCIS may also collect PII about the LEA requestor, U.S. Attorney, Department of Justice and/or
Department of State employees: name, title, telephone number, fax number, marital status, signatures, LEA
e-mail address, and LEA physical/mailing address, and signatures.
USCIS may collect PII about the LEA in connection with a Form I-854 filing, including: agent
name, requesting LEA, address, e-mail address, phone number, fax number, and signature.
Population:
The form is used by LEAs to bring an alien witness and informants to the United States in an S
nonimmigrant classification, change an existing nonimmigrant classification to an S classification or adjust
an S nonimmigrant classification to lawful permanent resident status.
When completing the Form I-854, LEAs must request one of the following classifications:
(1) S-5 nonimmigrant classification: For an alien who possessed and is willing to provide to the
requesting LEA critical, reliable information on a criminal organization and who otherwise
qualifies under section 101(a)(15)(s) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) and 8 CFR
214.2(t).
(2) S-6 nonimmigrant classification: For an alien who possessed and is willing to provide information
on a terrorist organization, who will be or is placed in danger as a result, and is eligible for an award
under section 36(a) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, 22 USC 2708(a), and
who otherwise qualifies under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act and 8 CFR 214.2(t).
Qualifying relatives (spouse, married and unmarried sons and daughters, and parents) of the principal
alien witness and informant may be included in a request for the S nonimmigrant classification.
Privacy Mitigation:
USCIS only collects a limited amount of PII in order to adjudicate this form. The information
collected is pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(S). The information is only used for the purposes outlined
on the form instructions.
USCIS ensures that the PII that is collected is accurate and complete as best practical, by collecting
information directly from the applicant and/or LEA.

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After USCIS processes this form, USCIS places it directly into the individual’s A-File. USCIS
controls the subject’s A-File for 100 years from the date of birth, and then transfers the files to National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for permanent retention pursuant to the approved retention
schedule [N1-566-08-11]. The A-File is the only place USCIS retains the form.

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APPENDIX D
Fraudulent Document Recognition Training
Summary:
The mission of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National
Security Directorate’s (FDNS) is to determine whether individuals or organizations filing for immigration
benefits pose a threat to national security, public safety, or the integrity of the nation’s legal immigration
system. FDNS supports USCIS’s mission by enhancing USCIS’s effectiveness and efficiency in detecting
and removing known and suspected fraud from the application process, thus promoting the efficient
processing of legitimate applications and petitions.
FDNS facilitates the Fraudulent Document Recognition Training to detect and deter fraud by
recognizing fraudulent immigration documents as well as detecting impostors. This course trains USCIS
personnel on how to identify types of counterfeit identification documents commonly used by terrorists,
identification theft offenders, and illegal immigrants. Topics include how to identify immigration
documents, specifically Permanent Resident Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD),
common document security features, photocopy examination of altered genuine documents, as well as a
review on impostor detection.
The purpose of this Fraudulent Document Recognition Training course is to educate and enhance
the FDNS employee’s ability to identify and differentiate between genuine, counterfeit, and altered
documents. The training allows FDNS personnel to determine what fraudulent documents look like and
understand how fraudulent documents relate to immigration benefit fraud, issues of terrorism, and other
national security issues. During the course of the training, the facilitator provides examples of both genuine
and counterfeit documents to distinguish the difference between fraudulent documents and valid documents
that have failing or worn features.
USCIS provides Fraudulent Document Recognition Training to USCIS personnel only; USCIS
does not use a virtual training environment for this training. FDNS holds this training course in a classroom
setting at a secured USCIS facility. The training consists of a PowerPoint presentation covering detection
and examination of Permanent Resident Cards and EADs. Instructors share real immigration documentation
obtained through fraud investigations or the administrative process to review security features of genuine,
counterfeit, and altered documentation. However, there is no handout and students must return all training
materials at the end of the training session. The PowerPoint is stored on the FDNS internal drive and the
immigration documents are stored in a secured locked room. These training materials are restricted to those
with a valid need-to-know.
FDNS will retain this presentation indefinitely and update it as appropriate to include new versions
of cards and new fraud techniques employed by aliens to circumvent regulation.
Data Elements:
The training presentation and immigration documents may contain real and fraudulent information
about individuals. Personally identifiable information (PII) from the Permanent Resident Card, EAD card,
and photocopied documents may include: the individual’s name, address, Social Security Number, A-

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Number, date of birth, receipt filing number, photograph, country of birth, admission code, financial
information, employment history, and education history.
Population:
Individuals who submitted fraudulent and altered documents to USCIS.
Privacy Mitigation:
FDNS provides Fraudulent Document Recognition Training to USCIS personnel with a need-toknow for training purposes. To prevent the risk of disclosing more information than necessary, FDNS
minimizes the use of PII by removing unnecessary or irrelevant content from training materials that are not
aligned with the objective of the training goals.
The electronic PowerPoint will be used as a part of this training. Access to the Fraudulent Document
Recognition Training is restricted to employees with a valid need-to-know. The instructor will only use
government-issued equipment to store and access this training. FDNS stores this presentation on a internal
drive that is not accessible to users outside FDNS. FDNS will maintain security controls for any relevant
materials.
FDNS stores the official physical records in a locked compartment and will not leave the records
unattended. FDNS will store these records in a room or area that has sufficient physical access control
measures to afford adequate protection and prevent unauthorized access by members of the public, visitors,
or other persons without a need-to-know, such as a locked room where a guard and card reader controls
access. FDNS collects all original, fraudulent, or photocopied document examples provided during training
at the end of the training session and stores them securely.

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APPENDIX E
Southeast Region Immigration Services Officer Fraud Referral Intake Log (SER ADJ Fraud
Referral Intake Log)
Summary:
FDNS created the SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log to capture and track all incoming fraud
referrals from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Immigration Services Officers (ISO).
Southeast Region (SER) ISOs document suspected fraud and forward the file to USCIS Fraud Detection
and National Security Directorate (FDNS) after a supervisor approves a case for further inquiry. FDNS
documents all incoming fraud referrals from ISOs in the SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log spreadsheet
and creates a record in FDNS Data System (FDNS-DS).
FDNS reviews the referral for completeness and will either accept or decline the referral. If
declined, the FDNS-DS record is “closed” and FDNS returns the Fraud Referral Sheet (FRS) to the referring
ISO with an explanation of why FDNS declined the referral. If accepted, FDNS designates the case as
accepted in FDNS-DS, conducts research and investigation, and refers prosecutable cases to Immigration
Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Maintaining the SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log allows FDNS to:
(1) Report Statistics
FDNS Immigration Officers (IO) use the information in the intake log to generate workflow production
reports. Each FDNS office manually generates reports and each office captures these reports differently.
The intake log allows FDNS offices to report the required numbers with consistency across the region.
(2) Conduct Training
FDNS IOs are responsible for training ISOs on how to refer actionable fraud cases and known fraud
patterns and trends. The SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log captures the reason FDNS declined a
fraud referral, which assists FDNS to identify individual and group training needs.
(3) Complete the FDNS survey
SER FDNS requires all referrals returned to ISOs with findings must have a five question survey
attached for ISOs to complete and return to FDNS. Capturing this data on the SER ADJ Fraud Referral
Intake Log will assist FDNS to determine where the surveys were sent and if a response was received.
It also allows FDNS to reach out to the ISO directly to request a completed copy of the survey.
(4) Meet ISO Period Performance Appraisals
Supervisory ISOs request the data from the SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log for individual ISO
fraud referral counts.

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Data Elements:
This log maintains information related to the referral, and actions taken by FDNS and ISOs. Data
may include:
Referral Information
•
•
•
•

Date of fraud referral
ISO First Name
ISO Last Name
Receipt Number

FDNS Action
•
•
•
•

Date created in FDNS-DS
FDNS-DS Number
Whether the referral was accepted or declined
o If declined, the reason it was declined
FDNS findings

ISO Action
•
•

ISO decision on petition/application
Date ISO issued a Notice to Appear (if applicable)

Population:
Cases referred by ISOs to FDNS for fraud.
Privacy Mitigation:
Only FDNS personnel with a need-to-know may access the SER ADJ Fraud Referral Intake Log.
Further, FDNS maintains the intake log on the shared drive with restricted access, and user login and
password controls are in place to monitor usage. In addition, USCIS FDNS provides training to all
individuals who will be using the log to confirm proper handling of the information that is maintained.
Finally, all USCIS employees are required to complete annual privacy training, which trains employees on
the appropriate handling, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information.

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APPENDIX F
Overseas Verifications
Background:
Overseas Verification (OV) is the verification of events, education, and work experience that
occurred in a foreign country or the authentication of documents or information that originated overseas
and relate to an individual’s application or petition for immigration benefits. USCIS conducts OVs as part
of the administrative investigation process.
The USCIS office responsible for administrative investigations is USCIS Fraud Detection and
National Security Directorate (FDNS). FDNS performs administrative investigations to produce
information that USCIS Adjudications Immigration Services Officers (ISO) may use to determine an
individual’s eligibility for an immigration benefit. FDNS ensures its administrative investigations are
narrowly tailored to verify relationships that are the basis for an individual to receive an immigration
benefit; to identify violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and to identify other grounds of
admissibility or removability.
FDNS Immigration Officers (IO) receive written fraud, national security, and criminal referrals
from Adjudications ISOs. FDNS IOs may also receive referrals or Requests for Assistance (RFA) from law
enforcement partners, RFAs from other USCIS Directorates and Program Offices, or tip letters from the
public. A FDNS IO performs systems checks and research on the subject of the referral. Then, the FDNS
IO determines whether to take any further action or decline the referral. If the FDNS IO determines an
administrative investigation is necessary, he or she performs further checks to verify information provided
on, and in support of, applications and petitions.
A FDNS IO pursues an OV after exhausting all domestic resources, such as research in government
and commercial databases, public record research, file reviews, telephone calls, site visits, interviews of
witnesses, requests for evidence, and internal RFAs. To initiate the OV process, a FDNS IO completes and
uploads an Overseas Verification Request (OVR) into the FDNS Data System (FDNS-DS) and selects the
appropriate receiving Overseas Office (USCIS or Department of State (DOS) ). FDNS-DS then sends an
email to the designated Overseas Office to begin the OV. A USCIS or DOS employee working at an
Overseas Office (Overseas Officer) conducts the verification of information or documents, including the
verification of events, education, and work experience or the authentication of documents that originated
overseas. Verification activities include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Phone, fax, e-mail, or internet verifications;
Primary document examination and comparison against local repositories and databases;
Targeted interviews;
Consultation with other USCIS offices, DHS components, or DOS employees;
Consultation with foreign governments;
Diplomatic notes; and
Administrative site visits.

In order to verify information associated with an application or petition, the Overseas Officer may contact:

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•
•
•
•
•
•

The individual;
Third parties with knowledge about the case including joint sponsors or other persons
associated with the filing;
Educational, financial, and governmental institutions;
Places of employment;
Religious establishments; and
Medical facilities.

Once the Overseas Officer has taken all necessary steps to verify the document or information, he
or she will input the necessary information into FDNS-DS by completing a Report of Overseas Verification
(ROV) template. The ROV must detail the nature of the OV, who conducted the OV, how the OV was
conducted, and the findings of the OV. A supervisor will review the ROV prior to returning to the requesting
officer. After approval from the supervisor, the Overseas Officer will upload the approved ROV and
supporting documents to FDNS-DS. The Overseas Officer then sends an email via FDNS-DS to the
domestic officer with the requested information.
Information Collected:
The information collected and retained in FDNS-DS as a result of an OV varies depending on the
reason for completing the Overseas Verification. For example, an officer may suspect that an applicant’s
birth certificate is altered. Therefore, the officer would request for the Overseas Officer to investigate the
authenticity of the applicant’s birth certificate. Appropriate supporting documentation may include a
certified copy of the birth certificate from the foreign entity or a letter indicating that the birth certificate in
question was altered. The Overseas Officer verifies the supporting documentation that was received through
the case.
Population:
USCIS applicants and petitioners who have submitted information to USCIS to receive an
immigration benefit. In some cases, USCIS may not be able to verify documents or information
domestically and may need to conduct an administrative investigation or verification overseas.
Privacy Mitigation:
There is a risk that USCIS may disclose information about certain applicants who are designated
as special protected classes when conducting an OVR. USCIS employees and contractors are required to
complete the annual Privacy Awareness Training, which identifies how to safeguard documentation, as well
as identify the criminal and civil penalties associated with the unauthorized disclosure of this information.
In addition, employees are also given training on special protected classes and how their information should
be safeguarded and protected from disclosure.

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There is also a risk that USCIS may collect more information than necessary or collect information
on the wrong person, as part of an investigation. USCIS mitigates this risk by training employees to
narrowly tailor OVRs and ensure the correct information is associated with the request and ROV.
Additionally, Overseas Officers only seek to verify items that the FDNS IO is requesting in the OVR. For
example, if an FDNS IO requests verification on the legitimacy of a birth certificate, the Overseas Officer
will conduct an investigation to confirm its legitimacy.

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APPENDIX G
FDNS Tip Reporting Process
Background:
USCIS FDNS has a growing need for innovative ways to receive and evaluate information from
the public and from other governmental entities concerning suspected fraudulent activities in order to
effectively anticipate and reduce the impact of immigration fraud.
Currently, there is no clear avenue for the public to report suspected immigration benefit fraud to
USCIS. When contacting the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) to report fraud, individuals
are directed to call the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hotline, the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) phone number, or to visit ICE and CBP webpages. The ICE Law Enforcement
Support Center (LESC) previously reviewed the tips and forwarded those that may involve immigration
benefit fraud to the USCIS Vermont Service Center (VSC) FDNS Office for further review, routing, and
any action the local office deemed necessary. This often resulted in multiple entities having to handle and
re-route misdirected correspondences causing unnecessary delays in the processing of time-sensitive
information. In addition, there is no mechanism for the public to electronically submit information related
to fraudulent activities directly to USCIS.
To actively engage the public in combating immigration benefit fraud, USCIS FDNS created a
centralized process for the public to directly report suspected immigration benefit fraud to USCIS. This
further aligns with USCIS’ strategic goal to strengthen the security and integrity of the immigration system.
USCIS FDNS Tip Reporting Process:
Headquarters FDNS (HQFDNS) has created a mechanism that will centralize the process and
identify USCIS as the point of contact for the public and other government agencies to report immigration
benefit related tips. The USCIS public website and the NCSC now provide the public and other government
agencies (OGAs) with a USCIS email address they can use in order to report tips of alleged fraud.
Individuals are now able to submit a tip to USCIS directly by emailing
[email protected] or by visiting www.uscis.gov, where a link to the mailbox is provided. The
webpage lists suggested fields the reporter should include that FDNS has deemed useful when processing
the tip. The list serves merely as a suggestion, the reporter can include as much or as little information as
they wish. Furthermore, USCIS collects information from the reporter on a voluntary basis.
Upon receiving a tip, HQFDNS is responsible for logging, vetting, tracking, analyzing the tips
received to determine the quantity and quality of information received, and the potential for successful
outcomes. The vetting process, including a search of government systems to identify fraud leads or obtain
additional identifying information, determines whether or not the tip is actionable. HQFDNS also assesses
the veracity of the tip during the vetting process. If HQFDNS deems the tip actionable, HQFDNS forwards
the appropriate office having jurisdiction over the individual (e.g., FDNS Division in the respective field
office, Service Center, Asylum or RAIO Office) for investigation.
FDNS documents the tip according to currently established policies, procedures, and practices

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including the Fraud Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) and the FDNS-DS User’s Guide. FDNS
documents the query on a designated Enterprise Collaboration Network (ECN) site and the Fraud Detection
and National Security-Data System (FDNS-DS). Access to the ECN site and the fraud tip mailbox is limited
to individuals assigned to process the emails for distribution to the FDNS Division in the field office
responsible for processing the tip. HQFDNS will also use the information to develop reports and track
trends or patterns. FDNS logs results of tips that are not actionable on the ECN site and are not forwarded
to the respective field office. A copy of each tip is stored in the email archive (.pst) files as well as in the
ECN for 15 years in accordance to the NARA Retention Schedule noted in the FDNS PIA dated July 30,
2012.
Information Collected:
USCIS collects fraud tips on a voluntary basis. The type of information collected for each case
varies but may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

The type of tip being reported (e.g., marriage or employer fraud);
Whether or not the tip was previously reported to another agency;
Name of the business or person allegedly committing the fraud;
Identifying information for the individual/company allegedly committing the fraud to include
name, email, phone number, address, nationality, aliases, A-number, and/or date of birth
Contact information of the person reporting the fraud including full name, email, phone
number, and address.
Any further information the person wishes to provide regarding the tip.

HQFDNS enters fraud tips into FDNS-DS and the ECN site, which are accessible only to
authorized employees If FDNS deems a case inactionable, it is documented on the ECN site, but not entered
into FDNS-DS.
HQFDNS employees are also responsible for forwarding the tips to the appropriate USCIS Office
(Field Office, Service Center, Asylum or RAIO Office) having jurisdiction over the Subject or pending
applications/petitions identified in the tips or other external agencies.
Population:
Any individuals or entities, reported by the general public or OGAs, as well as individuals
suspected of committing immigration fraud.
Privacy Risks & Mitigations:
Privacy Risk: Because tips are reports of alleged illegal or otherwise suspicious activities, FDNS
will not contact the reported individuals to verify their information. There is a risk that information provided
about an individual in a tip may not be accurate because the information is provided by a third party and
not the individual himself or herself.
Mitigation: During the course of an investigation into the tip, FDNS uses a variety of resources
(government and open sources, as described in the PIA) to determine the accuracy and reliability of the tip
information, including in some cases by conducting an interview with the subject of the tip. FDNS always

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investigates and verifies tips before USCIS uses the information as the basis for an adverse action against
an individual.
Privacy Risk: There is a risk that USCIS may retain the tip information for longer than necessary.
Mitigation: USCIS retains the information in accordance with the NARA-approved retention
schedule. USCIS retains FDNS-DS records for 15 years from the date of the last interaction between FDNS
personnel and the individual, no matter the determination. FDNS retains this information because the
information received regarding a case may not be actionable at the time of receipt; however, it may become
pertinent at a later date. (e.g., Marriage fraud tip received after USCIS grants LPR status may not be
actionable at the time of receipt but can be further investigated at the time the applicant attempts to remove
conditions or naturalize).