MM1 Comment Submitted by JCFS Chicago
AnonymousOpposeAdvocacy
Summary: JCFS Chicago opposes the proposed changes to Form AR-11, arguing that requiring immigrants to disclose information about public benefits, employment, and schooling turns a routine requirement into a surveillance tool. They express concern that these changes will create a chilling effect, causing immigrants to avoid reporting address changes for fear of deportation or negative impacts on their cases.
JCFS Chicago is 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.
We are 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,
JCFS Chicago