U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

MEDIA ADVISORY
Phone: (202) 514-2648

May 27, 2003

BCIS BEGINS OFFERING “ONLINE” FILING FOR TWO POPULAR IMMIGRATION BENEFIT FORMS

WASHINGTON, DC  - Beginning Thursday, May 29, and for the first time ever, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) will make electronic filing (e-filing) available for two of the most commonly submitted immigration forms – the application to renew or replace a “green card” (Form I-90) and the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).   To mark the occasion, Acting BCIS Director Eduardo Aguirre will hold a news conference in Chicago

During the press conference an actual applicant will provide a live demonstration of the e-filing process, becoming one of the first customers to utilize this groundbreaking technology. The Chicago BCIS office will broadcast this news conference live to participating BCIS offices across the country.  E-filing is part of BCIS’ ongoing efforts to provide easier, more convenient ways for its customers to apply for immigration benefits while meeting national security objectives.  Together, the Form I-90 and Form I-765 represent approximately 30 percent of the 7 million applications filed with BCIS every year.

Date:          Thursday, May 29, 2003

Time:          11:30am (CST), 12:30 p.m. (EDT)

Location:     BCIS
                    10 W. Jackson Blvd., 3rd floor
                    Chicago, IL 60604

Phone:         (312) 385-1925

Editors’ Note:  Tomorrow (May 29), media “b-roll” and a step-by-step video detailing the e-filing process will be available via satellite uplink.    The video will be broadcast from 12:00-12:30 a.m. (EDT).  To access, please use the following coordinates:  Telstar 5 C-band, transponder 23.  The downlink frequency is 4160 vertical.   For more information on the satellite transmission, please call Pacific Television master control at (310) 287-3800.