Disabled People Need a Special Corridor to Immigrate to the United States

Author: Pavel Kuljuk
Published: 2024/06/01 - Updated: 2025/03/08
Publication Type: Paper, Essay
Topic: Editorials and Op-eds - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: Article emphasizes need for specialized immigration programs to support individuals with disabilities, highlighting challenges and suggesting improvements.

Why it matters: This paper discusses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities seeking to immigrate to the United States, highlighting the lack of specialized programs to facilitate their immigration and naturalization processes. It notes that while the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented measures such as fee waivers and accommodations during interviews, these efforts are not part of a systematic approach. The paper also points out that tools like the CBP One phone application are not accessible to all, creating additional barriers for disabled asylum seekers. The author advocates for the establishment of a dedicated "corridor" to streamline immigration procedures for people with disabilities - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Currently, people with disabilities are forced to compete with non-disabled people for immigration and naturalization in the United States. Systematic work is not being done to simplify immigration procedures for people with disabilities.

Main Item

Every year, between 1.2 and 3.2 million immigrants arrive in the United States. Of these, about 5% are disabled. That is, between 60,000 and 160,000 disabled people immigrate to the United States each year. All these people require special conditions for immigration and naturalization. The US government is trying to help disabled immigrants. However it is difficult call it systemic work. There are positive changes. But there are also disadvantages. Disabled people need political will to make strategic improvements.

Positive Changes

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken several actions to improve immigration of persons with disabilities to the United States. The department's offices were equipped with ramps, elevators and other amenities for the disabled.

In addition, USCIS has made it possible for people with disabilities to request assistance that suits their needs, as well as save money when processing documents. For example, USCIS has exempted persons with disabilities from certain fees and commissions when processing immigration documents. To take advantage of these benefits, disabled immigrants must complete Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) and Form G-56 (Notice of Limited Appearance). Officials provide detailed instructions on how to do this. Also during the naturalization process, applicants with disabilities can file Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) to receive an exemption for the citizenship test.

Officials also help disabled people with assistance in communication. It is about providing information in alternative formats. These include Braille, large print, subtitles, sign language interpreters, documents in various languages, and electronic document formats. This makes the immigration process easier for blind and deaf people.

In addition to this, USCIS creates special conditions for people with disabilities during interviews and other meetings with officials. For these purposes, persons with disabilities are provided with additional time, breaks, or the presence of a support person during interviews. Assistance is also provided to disabled people in undergoing medical examinations.

Negative Facts

One of the most serious problems is the lack of a specialized program for immigration of persons with disabilities. Although people with disabilities receive state support, they must undergo immigration and naturalization in competition with ordinary people. This is quite difficult and not fair. After all, non-disabled people have a better chance in competition than disabled people.

One example of such unfair competition is the use of the CBP One phone app. Under current law US asylum seekers must register with immigration authorities using this application. But this program is not available to people who are blind, deaf, or have mobility or intellectual disabilities. In the current situation, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for people with disabilities to register as an asylum seeker using the CBP One program.

This phone application has been upgraded several times. However, no efforts have been made to adapt CBP One to the needs of persons with disabilities. As a result, the Texas Civil Rights Project and Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center filed a complaint to improve the phone application. Continued use of this application in its current state is a violation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(5). This law requires federal agencies to ensure that technology is accessible to people with disabilities.

What's Next?

In the current situation, the creation of a special "corridor" for immigration and naturalization of disabled people seems natural. However, this can only be done if there is political will. Could this happen? Disabled World asked political consultants about this.

Here's what they answered the question: Can the new president make it easier for people with disabilities to immigrate to the US?

"Simple answer is yes. POTUS could also simplify their visa processing, provide temporary accommodations during the immigration process, and ensure that possible barriers don't prevent them from legally immigrating to the country",- said Policy and Law Strategist, Sabrina Newby.

"No, its not really how it would work here. To provide new or improve current immigration policy or physically improve at the border for persons with disabilities would be done through creating new, or adjusting current, immigration Laws. Federal law here is created and revised by our two bodies in Congress (House and Senate) not the President. So, no, the President wouldn't be the best change agent on this topic, the House and Senate would be... but to be honest, we have some serious border issues here that would, right or wrong, like it or hate it, rank far ahead of this issue. It's not that this issue isn't something to be considered, but it just wouldn't be top tier on the scale of import",- said Co-Founder, Managing Partner i5 Enterprises llc, Mike Iverson .

As we see, the opinions of consultants are different. This leaves hope, but does not allow us to be sure that the situation will definitely change for the better. For now, people with disabilities will continue to compete with ordinary people for the right to immigrate to the United States.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: In considering the complexities of immigration, it becomes evident that the current system does not adequately address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The absence of tailored programs not only hinders their ability to navigate the process but also raises questions about equity and accessibility. Implementing specialized pathways could ensure that all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, have a fair opportunity to seek better opportunities and contribute to society. History shows the U.S. can step up, like when it welcomed Ukrainian refugees after World War II, but today's system feels stuck. Political will is the linchpin; without it, good intentions stay on paper. As global tensions rise and more people seek refuge, this isn't a niche issue-it's a test of whether we'll build a society that truly sees everyone. The clock's ticking, and the answer matters more than ever - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Pavel Kuljuk's articles and poems are published in Australia, North America, and Europe. In recent years, he has been constantly collaborating with Australian Rural & Regional News (Australia), Red Hook Daily Catch and OpEd News (USA), and Disabled World (Canada). Kuliuk's individual publications are in Forbes (Kazakhstan), Rural 21 (Germany), London Loves Business (UK), Karrep (India), RealClearDefense (RCD), Change Links, Daily Caller (USA), and many others. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Pavel Kuljuk. (2024, June 1 - Last revised: 2025, March 8). Disabled People Need a Special Corridor to Immigrate to the United States. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 20, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/editorials/special-corridor.php

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