Uses of DNA Testing in Immigration Cases
Immigrants are often required to prove biological relationships between themselves and family members. Initial and secondary
evidence typically used to prove these relationships includes birth certificates, church records, and school records.
For many immigrants and refugees, these records are not readily available, necessitating another option for proving their relationships.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly INS, often requests DNA testing to provide this crucial biological proof.
As of 2000, USCIS directors do not have legal rights to require DNA testing of immigrants and their families. However,
they urge immigrants to take part in DNA testing since it is the only conclusive alternative for providing biological evidence
of relationships.
Common immigration applications requiring biological evidence of relationships include:
- I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
- I-600 Petition to Classify Orphan As an Immediate Relative
- I-694 Notice of Appeal of Decision Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- I-730 Refugee/Asylum Relative Petition
- N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship
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