The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to open a new international field office in Quito, Ecuador. This new development was announced on the official USCIS website on 24th February 2021 (USCIS Newsroom).
The purpose of this move, as outlined by USCIS, is to strengthen the agency’s capacity in South America and bolster relationships with international partners in the region. The Quito office will play a pivotal role, overseeing the agency’s services in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Much like its counterparts worldwide, the Quito field office will provide an array of critical services. These include handling applications and petitions for immigration benefits, requests for the provision of refugee status, and applications for naturalization, among others. Essentially, the office will serve as the primary regional hub for USCIS operations.
A significant part of the office’s mandate is to support the efforts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abroad. The Quito field office will also work closely with consulates, embassies, and military forces stationed in South America to manage and encourage lawful immigration, while combatting fraud and maintaining national security.
This move aligns with USCIS’s strategic objective to increase its global presence. Over the years, the agency has continued to open international field offices to buttress its operations and develop stringent immigration procedures worldwide.
While USCIS is excited about this new development, it is also aware of the challenges that may arise as they strive to meet its commitments in South America, especially during these uncertain times. However, the agency remains confident in effectively carrying out its mission abroad.
The opening of this new international field office in Quito testifies to the agency’s commitment to deliver effective and efficient services to petitioners and applicants worldwide. The field office is expected to go a long way toward reinforcing the agency’s focus on meeting the needs of its customers, fostering transparency, and enhancing service delivery.
For more updates and information about the USCIS operations, you can refer to their official website at www.uscis.gov. As immigration attorneys, we understand the significance of these updates and stand ready to assist with all complexities relating to immigration laws and procedures.
Acknowledgment: This article contains information sourced from a news release published on the USCIS Newsroom on 24th February 2021 (https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-open-international-field-office-in-quito-ecuador).
