USCIS Policy Alert: Derogatory Information Unknown To The Benefit Requestor

On June 12, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Alert announcing updates to the USCIS Policy Manual. The updated guidance clarifies how and when USCIS must disclose derogatory information to benefit requestors before issuing an adverse decision.

Types of Derogatory Information

The Policy Manual identifies several categories of derogatory information that may be shared with benefit requestors. This includes any information that could negatively affect the eligibility of an applicant or petitioner for an immigration benefit. Examples of such information include criminal records, evidence of fraud or misrepresentation, and any other adverse findings that could affect the outcome of a benefit request.