Join NGS for our next MemberConnects! event with Rich Venezia, Marian Smith, and Renée Carl speaking about the proposed fee increases from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS is the successor agency to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and has operated a genealogy program since 2008. Venezia, Smith, and Carl formed Records Not Revenue to support improvements to the program and advocate for better access, transparency, and efficiency from the USCIS Genealogy Program.
"The USCIS records are vital to the ability of all NGS members to tell the full story of their families, and for our professional genealogist members to serve their clients," said Matt Menashes, NGS executive director. "I look forward to hearing from Rich, Marian, and Renée about why this issue is so important."
"The USCIS Genealogy Program is a big part of our ability to tell the full story of 20th Century immigration to the United States," said Rich Venezia. "It's hard to tell that story, however, since it now takes up to two years to access the agency’s records–if they are even found. We must fix the program and encourage USCIS to transfer the records to the National Archives."
The panel will share background on the fee increase, what the implications are for genealogists, and how you can add your voice to the public record. The panel will also take questions from the audience. Following the Q&A, members can connect and share what's on their minds until 9:30 p.m. (ET).
Take advantage of this critical and informative Zoom event. Join NGS for MemberConnects! on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, at 8:00 p.m. (ET).
