Visas & Advice Detail
New USCIS office dedicated to British expatriate
The importance of immigrants' role in US history was highlighted when US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened its new district office in Dallas at the end of February.
The ceremony included a tribute to Medal of Honour recipient, Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies, an immigrant who served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.
Mathies, originally from Lanarkshire, was posthumously awarded the highest military decoration afforded by the United States, for refusing to leave a stricken aircraft as the pilot was seriously injured and the co-pilot was killed. He died when he and a fellow officer crash-landed in an attempt to land the plane.
"It is a distinct privilege to dedicate the USCIS workspace in our Dallas District office to the memory and valour of Staff Sergeant Mathies," said Michael Aytes, USCIS acting deputy director. "This new building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by heroic immigrant service members and a tangible example of USCIS's commitment to modernize our infrastructure."
The new facilities and Dallas have been opened as part of a USCIS initiative to 'Build an Immigration Service for the 21st Century'. The initiative is built around a foundation of three pillars designed to enhance and sustain a secure and efficient immigration system. These pillars include: 'Improving Service Delivery', 'Enhancing the Security and Integrity of the Immigration System', and 'Modernizing Business Infrastructure'.
The new office provides customers with the full range of services at one location. The design includes essential elements to ensure that everything from the layout to the location supports USCIS' mission and goal to provide better service to our customers. The building not only incorporates accessibility and security features, it is also environmentally friendly and conveniently located near public transportation.
The ribbon cutting was followed by an all military naturalization ceremony for 18 airmen, sailors, soldiers, and marines.
The good news for those hoping to enter the United States to live and work is that the new Dallas office may help reduce processing times across various visa categories.