Readers are reminded that beginning 1 March 1997, the INS will now require fingerprint cards submitted in connection with permanent residency and naturalization applications to be obtained from certified fingerprint organizations. The lists of designated fingerprint organizations can be obtained from the local INS offices.

The INS has also released information relating to the requirement to show a photo identification document to the fingerprinting organization:

"After consultation with Headquarters, it has been determined that the only type of photo identification which is generally obtainable by persons of all nationalities is a passport issued by the embassy of the country of nationality of the individual. Although it may be inconvenient or even difficult for some individuals to obtain a passport, it is generally not impossible.

In those extremely rare instances where it is impossible to obtain a passport or other similar document from the Embassy, this Service will consider the merits of the individual applicant on a case-by-case basis. That is, the individual should appear in the local office and request to be fingerprinted, stating clearly that he has no photo ID and cannot obtain the fingerprints in the usual manner. The Service will then consider the circumstances in that case and determine whether to fingerprint without ID or pursue some other course of action."

For more information on the new requirement, please see the article on this subject in the June 1996 issue of SISKIND'S IMMIGRATION BULLETIN which is archived at www.visalaw.com/bulletin.html.