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WASHINGTON (AP) — The agency that oversees legal immigration no longer describes the U.S. as "a nation of immigrants" in its mission statement.
The new statement unveiled Thursday describes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as administering "the nation's lawful immigration system" by "adjudicating requests for immigration benefits while protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values."
The old statement had said USCIS "secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants" by providing "accurate and useful information to our customers," granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting awareness about citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.
USCIS says the new wording was developed by director L. Francis Cissna, who said it clearly defines the agency's role and makes clear who it serves.
The change was first reported by The Washington Post.
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