USCIS to only accept bank checks, money orders
Reported by: Olivia Dangler
Email: odangler@abc15.com
Last Update: 6:30 am

Beginning Monday, September 8, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will no longer accept personal checks.

All fees paid at the Phoenix Field Office must be paid using bank checks, either certified or cashier, or money orders.

The change is in part due to the large number of personal checks returned for insufficient funds.

It also means USCIS will no longer need to contract and deal with an armored car service for cash receipts.

By accepting only bank checks and money orders, USCIS will eliminate personnel time lost on dealing with bounced checks and the transport of cash.

"Restricting remittances to bank checks and money orders is safer for both the customer and the agency," said Phoenix District Director John Kramar. "There is less chance of fraud or theft when not dealing with cash or personal checks."

As most immigration petitions and applications are now filed through the mail, many customers won't be affected by the change.

However, if a customer comes to the office to submit an application without a money order or bank check, USCIS will make arrangements for the individual to leave the building to secure a money order and return without having to schedule a new InfoPass appointment.

USCIS will continue to accept "trust account" checks from attorneys.

The agency initially announced the change earlier this year through community-based organizations, AILA, and Congressional offices.


http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.a ... 30065bce12


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