Comment Submitted by Gale Feldman
AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: Gale Feldman, a private individual, opposes the proposed changes to Form AR-11 that would require immigrants to disclose information regarding public benefits, employment, and schooling. The commenter argues that these requirements act as a surveillance tool that could lead to deportation and create a chilling effect, preventing people from reporting necessary address changes.
Dear Agency Information Collection Activities; Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired: Alien Change of Address,
Docket ID: USCIS-2008-0018
I am writing to oppose the proposed changes to Form AR-11, which would require immigrants reporting a change of address to also disclose their receipt of means-tested public benefits, employment, and school information.
This change turns a routine legal requirement into a surveillance tool. Requiring refugees and asylum seekers to disclose this information — and then using it against them, including for possible deportation — punishes people for following the law.
I am also deeply concerned about the chilling effect this would cause. Immigrants could become so afraid to file an address change that they miss receiving essential information about their immigration case. They could even face denials in their cases because of it.
This is not a neutral administrative update. It is part of a broader pattern of policies that treat vulnerable people as threats rather than human beings deserving dignity and safety. I urge USCIS to withdraw this proposal immediately.
Thank you
Gale Feldman
Santa Monica, CA
Sincerely,
Gale Feldman