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Original Date Announced
August 20, 2025USCIS updates its policy manual to clarify the application of the Matter of Zhang. In that 2019 decision, the BIA held that the government does not need to prove a noncitizen knowingly intended to defraud or misrepresent when making a false claim to U.S. citizenship. USCIS incorporated this ruling into the USCIS Policy Manual on April 24, 2020, clarifying that intent is not required to establish inadmissibility for a false claim to U.S. citizenship. The latest update reaffirms that the Matter of Zhang overrides all prior DHS policies and guidance related to false claims of U.S. citizenship and clarifies statutory exceptions to the false claim to U.S. citizenship ground of inadmissibility.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1939]
2025.08.20 USCIS Policy Alert - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship 2025.08.20 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 8 Part K.2 - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship 2025.08.20 USCIS Policy Manual- Vol. 8 Part K.4 - False Claim to U.S. CitizenshipEffective Date
August 20, 2025Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Naturalization EnforcementAssociated or Derivative Policies
- April 24, 2020 USCIS updates policy on false claims of US citizenship
Pre Trump-Era Policies
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July 16, 2025
Now-superseded version of USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 8 Part K.2 - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship. The updated 2025.08.20 policy clarifies that a false claim to U.S. citizenship can trigger inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) regardless of intent, knowledge, or willfulness. The policy outlines available statutory exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The updated policy also provides guidance for officers determining inadmissibility, including steps to follow in the adjudication process. It explains the factors USCIS considers when assessing whether the individual had a subjective intent to obtain a benefit under the INA or any other federal or state law.
2025.07.16 USCIS Policy Manual- Vol. 8 Part K.2 - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship -
July 18, 2025
Now-superseded version of USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 8 Part K.4 - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship. The updated 2025.08.20 policy clarifies that this ground of inadmissibility applies to any noncitizen seeking a benefit that requires inadmissibility unless they are exempt. It applies to those seeking entry at a U.S. port of entry, applying for a visa abroad, or applying for adjustment of status. The guidance also clarifies that special immigrant juveniles and registry applicants are exempt from INA 212(a)(6)(C), and that there are no exceptions based solely on age or mental capacity at the time of a false U.S. citizenship claim.
2025.07.16 USCIS Policy Manual- Vol. 8 Part K.4 - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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