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thedrifter
08-13-07, 06:43 PM
Hotline set up to help immigrants in uniform
Staff report
Posted : Monday Aug 13, 2007 15:25:27 EDT

Troops who need help with immigration issues now have a new tool available — a toll-free help line courtesy of the federal government.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service announced Monday the establishment of a phone hotline where non-U.S. citizens serving in uniform and their families can go for help with immigration services and benefits.

The number is 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645) and is dedicated for the exclusive use of military personnel, according to a press release.

“Thousands of immigrant soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have made extraordinary sacrifices for America,” USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez said in the release. “As such, at USCIS, we are committed to exhausting every effort to ensure that the application process for immigrant service members is convenient, quick and secure. These brave men and women, and their families, deserve this service, and we are proud to assist.”

There are about 40,000 non-U.S. citizens serving in the military.

USCIS customer service center specialists are available to assist callers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. CST.

Callers can get help with:

* Tracking their application for naturalization (Form N-400);

* Notifying USCIS of a new mailing address or duty station;

* Checking the status of an application or petition;

* Bringing a spouse, fiancé(e) or adopted child to the United States;

* Obtaining posthumous citizenship for a deceased member of the Armed Services;

* Submitting an application for expedited processing.

Service members and their families stationed in the United States or overseas can access the help line using the toll-free number, through their base telephone operator or a DSN number, the release said.

Service members who call after hours will be directed to an e-mail address that they can use to contact USCIS for assistance, and those who call the dedicated hotline who are not in the military will be re-directed to call 800-375-5283, the release said.

USCIS offices and the designated point of contact at each military installation will receive information about the Military Help Line and other immigration-related information and resources geared specifically for the military and their families, according to the release.

Ellie