Publisher's Synopsis
As we previously reported, USCIS continues tostruggle to ensure proper Green Card issuance.We found that over the past 3 years, USCISproduced at least 19,000 cards that includedincorrect information or were issued in duplicate.Most card issuance errors were due to design andfunctionality problems in ELIS, which is beingimplemented to automate benefits processing.USCIS' efforts to address the errors have beeninadequate. Although USCIS conducted a numberof efforts to recover the inappropriately issuedcards, these efforts also were not fully successfuland lacked consistency and a sense of urgency.Over the last 3 years, USCIS received over200,000 reports from approved applicants aboutmissing cards. The number of cards sent to wrongaddresses has incrementally increased since 2013due in part to complex processes for updatingaddresses, ELIS limitations, and factors beyondthe agency's control.Improperly issued Green Cards pose significantrisks and burdens for the agency. Errors canresult in approved applicants being unable toobtain benefits, maintain employment, or provelawful immigration status. In the wrong hands, Green Cards may enable terrorists, criminals, andillegal aliens to remain in the United States andaccess immigrant benefits. Responding to cardissuance errors has also resulted in additionalworkload and corresponding costs, as USCISspent just under $1.5 million to address card-relatedcustomer inquiries in fiscal year 2015alone
