Speak Out to Preserve Access to Genealogy Records!

On 4 January 2023, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed substantial increases to the fees required to access historical records held by the USCIS Genealogy Program. The proposed hikes are especially infuriating, given that many of these records should already be publicly and readily available at the National Archives.

In 2020, USCIS lost an attempt to hike fees to access these same records. They have again proposed a new method for providing some previously digitized records to researchers, claiming it will improve efficiency. However, any record that has not been previously digitized – which includes millions of files for millions of individuals – will cost 269% more than it does now. USCIS provides no clarity on which files are considered “previously digitized” and which exist only on paper – leaving customers in the dark, wondering what they will be charged to access historical records.

USCIS Genealogy Program requests this audacious fee hike at a time when the wait for paying customers to receive records is at an all-time high. The program continues to demonstrate an inability to provide efficient access to historical records, often stating they are unable to locate the documents requested. There is no transparency in how the program operates. Raising fees will not fix the USCIS Genealogy Program.

Make your voice heard in 3 easy steps

1. Step 1: Review the proposed rule here, and jump to the Genealogy Program section here. You can read our Summary of the Issues.
2. Step 2: Write your comments, addressing the issues listed here or any issue you think is important. See our Comment Starters for thoughts on how to begin, or watch this webinar.
3. Step 3: Send your comments BY MONDAY, MARCH 6 MARCH 13, 2023 to:
   1. Federal Rulemaking Portal and refer to DHS Docket No. USCIS-2021-0010-0001. Follow instructions for submitting comments; and
   2. Save and send a copy of your comments to your US Senators and Representative, and refer to DHS Docket No. USCIS-2021-0010-0001. Tell them you care about preserving access to federal records!

You do not need to be a US resident nor citizen to submit a public comment. Any interested party can make their voice heard. By submitting a comment, you can help prevent this unjust fee hike from becoming a reality. All researchers should care about the access to historical government records, even if your research does not include these documents. What can be done to one type of records can be done to others!

Amplify your voice! Please share this with genealogical societies, historical societies, and every family historian and researcher you know. Don’t let USCIS hold our history hostage!

VIEW THE VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/50Fw0a5mBn8