Effective Dates: 04/09/2024 - Present
Identification Number:
| EM-24013
|
| Intended Audience: | All RCs/ARCs/ADs/FOs/TSCs |
| Originating Office: | ORDP OISP |
| Title: | Enumeration: Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) expansion for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) |
| Type: | EM - Emergency Messages |
| Program: | Records Maintenance (Earnings & Enumeration) |
| Link To Reference: | See References at the end of this EM. |
|
Retention Date: October 9, 2024
A. Purpose
This emergency message (EM) is to inform technicians on the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) expansion to include the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) along with other forms previously used in automated enumeration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will transmit to the Social Security Administration (SSA) the necessary enumeration data of those granted citizenship with approved Forms N-400 so that SSA can update their citizenship status in SSA’s records and issue an original Social Security number (SSN) or replacement SSN card. Applicants will also be able to request a name change through this process.
B. Background
Currently, EBE is an option for applicants for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) via Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and applicants for Permanent Resident Status (Green Card, Form I-551) via Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
On April 1st, 2024, EBE will expand to include applicants for a Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) via Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
Automating the SSN application process with Form N-400 will allow applicants for naturalization to conduct business with DHS/USCIS and SSA simultaneously. This automation eliminates the need to visit a field office or card center to update citizenship status and/or apply for an SSN or replacement SSN card. Applicants will also be able to request a name change through this process.
USCIS and SSA will share information and educational materials with their respective customers to ensure a collaborative approach in promoting benefits and services available to noncitizens and new citizens.
C. Inquiries
If you receive an inquiry regarding the status of an SSN card requested on a Form N-400, follow normal procedures outlined in RM 10205.700. Review for issuance of an SSN, pending SSN applications, and pending Enumeration Message alerts, which may have held up completion of the application.
Direct all program-related and technical questions to your Regional Office (RO) support staff using vHelp or Program Service Center (PSC) Operations Analysis (OA) staff. RO support staff or PSC OA staff may refer questions, concerns, or problems to their Central Office contacts.
References:
RM 10205.700 - Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE)
EM-24013 - Enumeration: Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) expansion for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) - 04/09/2024