We are issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update and clarify how we apply certain statutory provisions for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners, applicants and recipients of T nonimmigrant status, and petitioners and recipients of U nonimmigrant status, to ensure that officers can review and consider information as Congress intended. We have seen significant and unanticipated increases in VAWA, T nonimmigrant, and U nonimmigrant filings in recent years. From fiscal years 2020 to 2024, the number of Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions increased by approximately 360%.In that same time frame, T nonimmigrant applications and U nonimmigrant petitions increased by 1,044% and 95%, respectively.
Due to this significant increase in filings, we are taking action to protect the integrity of these programs and to safeguard them as a resource for women and other alien victims of crimes. Immigration benefits are a privilege, and it is our priority to ensure we administer these programs lawfully and appropriately for qualified aliens with legitimate claims, while rooting out bad actors and fraudsters.
This update allows USCIS to more effectively meet our responsibility to conduct thorough and efficient vetting and to investigate any fraud, national security, or public safety risks we identify when we review an alien’s record. Prior USCIS policy limited the ability to use information from “prohibited sources” in certain circumstances despite the statute expressly allowing use of the information.
This is another step in our larger effort to restore integrity to the legal immigration system. With this update, we can better combat fraud and ensure that only qualified aliens receive immigration benefits. The updated guidance:
Explains that the “prohibited source” provisions allow DHS to consider information from a “prohibited source” in certain circumstances;
Clarifies how and for how long we apply the confidentiality provisions of 8 U.S.C. 1367, as well as how we will consider evidence submitted about the protected alien;
Clarifies that we reinstate any confidentiality provisions if we initiate denaturalization proceedings;
Confirms that only adults can waive their confidentiality protections;
Explains that alien registration and change of address requirements apply to aliens protected under the confidentiality provisions; and
Expands access to the USCIS Contact Center to allow protected aliens’ attorneys and representatives to submit case inquiries and clarifies safe mailing procedures for protected aliens who only give USCIS a physical address for correspondence.
Additionally, this policy update helps USCIS efficiently implement an anti-fraud strategy while improving program integrity.
See the Policy Alert [PDF] for more information and policy highlights. The updated guidance is effective immediately after publication and applies to requests pending or filed on or after Dec. 22, 2025. Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to provide feedback on this update.
To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse, please use the USCIS Tip Form.
