Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence

Key changes

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to require officers to suggest Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing as an optional form of evidence to establish a claimed genetic relationship in cases where primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient to establish a claimed genetic relationship, in situations where an officer determines additional evidence is necessary.
• Provides that, when required primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient to establish the claimed genetic relationship, officers must suggest DNA testing in a request for additional evidence, in situations where a request for evidence is needed.
• Clarifies the circumstances under which primary evidence may be unreliable or insufficient to establish a claimed genetic relationship.
• Informs benefit requestors of the option to submit all available evidence at their disposal to establish a claimed genetic relationship.