USCIS Site Visits — FDNS | Part 2
Further to our series on site visits for the purposes of administrative, benefit and compliance reviews – we’ll look closer at FDNS areas of oversight…
What does FDNS Do?
FDNS officers resolve background check information and other concerns that surface during the processing of immigration benefit applications and petitions. Resolution often requires communication with law enforcement or intelligence agencies to make sure that the information is relevant to the applicant or petitioner at hand and, if so, whether the information would have an impact on eligibility for the benefit.
FDNS officers also perform checks of USCIS databases and public information, as well as other administrative inquiries, to verify information provided on, and in support of, applications and petitions. Administrative inquiries may include:
- Performance of fraud assessments – FDNS officers engage in fraud assessments (including Benefit Fraud and Compliance Assessments) to determine the types and volumes of fraud in certain immigration benefits programs;
- Compliance Reviews – Systematic reviews of certain types of applications or petitions to ensure the integrity of the immigration benefits system, and
- Targeted site visits – Inquiries conducted in cases where fraud is suspected.
FDNS uses the Fraud Detection and National Security Data System (FDNS-DS) to identify fraud and track potential patterns.
USCIS has formed a partnership with ICE, in which FDNS pursues administrative inquiries into most application and petition fraud, while ICE conducts criminal investigations into major fraud conspiracies.
Additional FDNS Functions
FDNS also conducts Benefit Fraud and Compliance Assessments to identify the types and volumes of fraud and develop mitigation strategies to deter and disrupt fraud.
What is the ASVVP and what does it do?
In July 2009, FDNS implemented the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP) to conduct unannounced site inspections to verify information contained in certain visa petitions. USCIS provides petitioners and their representatives of record (if any) an opportunity to review and address the information before denying or revoking an approved petition based on information obtained during a site inspection.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Immigration Solutions always welcomes your feedback. If you are interested in becoming a client of our office, please contact us at 562 612.3996 and request a consultation. We handle a broad range of business related immigration matters and have an active employer compliance practice, consulting on proper I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) best practices, auditing, training, and guiding our clients in achieving compliant immigration policies and procedures.
Visit our new I-9 Employer Resource center here
Tags: E-Verify, Employer Compliance, FDNS, ICE, Immigration Benefits, SSA No-Match, USCIS SITE VISITS, Worksite Enforcement