August Network – October 23, 2024 – on General
In response to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) proposed revisions to Form G-28, immigration attorney Angelo Paparelli submitted a detailed commentary, supporting the change allowing paralegals to interact with the agency under attorney supervision. This revision, which permits paralegals to request client appointments and communicate with USCIS on case status, is seen as a way to reduce legal fees and increase efficiency. However, Paparelli offers several additional recommendations:
- Use of “Paraprofessional”: Replace “paralegal” with “paraprofessional,” as paralegals are legally defined in some states and may lack specific training in immigration law. This broader term would encompass a range of support personnel working under attorney supervision.
- Multiple Designations: USCIS should allow attorneys to designate multiple paraprofessionals on the same form to account for absences, as well as permit multiple attorneys from the same firm to be listed for efficiency in case management.
- Protecting Attorney Information: The proposed requirement to include attorneys’ birth dates should be removed due to privacy concerns and risks of identity theft.
- Centralized Repository: A centralized online system should be created to track attorneys and paraprofessionals involved in a case, simplifying communication and record updates.
- Including the Department of State: The Department of State should be added to Form G-28 for cases involving U.S. consulates and embassies, expanding its applicability.
- Limited Scope Representation: Paparelli suggests allowing limited scope representation on specific immigration matters, enabling third parties with a vested interest in the outcome to submit information to USCIS with the petitioner’s consent.
These changes, he argues, would further enhance fairness, efficiency, and integrity in the immigration process.