Automation of Form I-94 Teleconference

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invited stakeholders to join in a teleconference on Thursday, February 16, 2012, 2:00 - 3:00 pm (EST) to discuss the automation of the Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and potential impacts on state/local benefit-granting agencies and employers. CBP is undertaking a phased initiative to automate the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Records using data already available in DHS systems and CBP officer input during the inspection process. Travelers will continue to be provided with a paper copy of the Form I-94; however, the record number on the paper form will not be the same number as automated Form I-94 record number that will be in CBP’s electronic system. The paper Form I-94 will still contain admission information and continue to serve as lawful evidence of immigration status. 

The Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) is critical to individuals applying for certain benefits from USCIS, other state and local benefits, and as part of the employment verification process.  Both CBP and USCIS are in the process of making operational changes to align with the new automated record process.  While we are making these operational changes to minimize the impacts to stakeholders, we would like to seek feedback from state and local benefit-granting agencies and employers on the potential implications of this process change.