New N-648 Form Helps Immigrants with Disabilities or Impairments
Mar 11, 2011
Houston, TX (Law Firm Newswire) March 10, 2011 – The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently revised the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, also known as Form N-648. Immigrants suffering from disabilities or impairments can apply for an exception to waive the English and civics requirements. The USCIS is holding public info sessions in regards to the N-648 changes, but it is highly recommended to have an experienced immigration attorney review an individual’s case.
The new form is touted to help immigration officials understand a medical professional’s diagnosis of the particular disability and how it affects naturalization guidelines. The new N-648 has revised instructions, making it easier to complete the form on paper or electronically. Beginning March 22, 2011, all the old versions of the N-648 will be obsolete and barred from use.
“The disability must show that the applicant is unable to learn the history and civics part of the test,” said Houston immigration lawyer Annie Banerjee. “Old age or depression is not an excuse. Individuals benefit by speaking to an attorney to clarify their best route to citizenship, no matter the circumstance.”
Any individual wanting naturalization usually has to show proficiency of U.S. history, government and the English language. A disabled applicant can now use an interpreter or medical professional to complete the certification section. Previous disability evaluations from other government agencies and a log of daily activities are no longer needed with the new form.
“It is critical to fill out the form with ample details,” said Banerjee, who has more than 10 years of success in immigration law. “I hear so many sad stories of people who did not fill it out correctly and then must start the process over again.”
An immigration lawyer will review that the disability diagnosis and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders code is filled out correctly. The linkage between the disability and how it hampers the applicant from taking the exams is crucial. For example, an applicant with Alzheimer’s disease would have less blood flow to the brain, causing memory loss. The applicant would be unable to learn facts or the English language for the test. The USCIS will want to know that drugs or alcohol did not cause the disability; so showing the causation of the disease, the age of onset, and the permanence of the condition is important.
Annie Banerjee is a Houston immigration attorney in Houston Texas with a practice that focuses on helping people become United States citizens. The law offices assist in Visas and other legal immigration requirements as well.
To learn more, visit http://www.visatous.com.
Law Offices of Annie Banerjee
131 Brooks Street Suite #300
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone: (281) 242-9139
