A Conversation with Francis Cissna

USCIS Director on legal immigration challenges

By CIS on August 7, 2018

Washington, D.C. (August 7, 2018) – Francis Cissna, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was featured in an Immigration Newsmaker conversation hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies on Wednesday, August 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the National Press Club. 

Cissna leads the agency which “administers the nation’s lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity and promise by efficiently and fairly adjudicating requests for immigration benefits while protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values.” On an average day, the 19,000 workers at USCIS welcome nearly 2,000 new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, grant lawful permanent residence to approximately 2,100 people, issue approximately 7,000 new and replacement Green Cards, and verify the employment eligibility of more than 80,000 new hires through E-Verify.

Video: https://www.cis.org/Video/Immigration-Newsmaker-Conversation-Director-USCIS-Francis-Cissna

Transcript: https://cis.org/Transcript/Immigration-Newsmaker-Conversation-Director-USCIS-Francis-Cissna

The conversation on Wednesday, moderated by Jessica Vaughan, the Center's director of policy studies, covered such topics as vetting of applications, guest worker program reforms, processing of asylum and other special categories, work permits, fees, and E-Verify.

When: Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: National Press Club, Murrow Room, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, D.C.

The Immigration Newsmaker series provides an opportunity for government agency heads, members of Congress, and other policymakers to discuss their priorities and explore the challenges they face. The events, held at the National Press Club, are seated, on-the-record conversations between the guest and a member of the CIS staff.