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New Immigration Agency Director Appointed - What to Know

Gavel and FlagOn August 3rd, Ur Mendoza Jaddou was appointed as the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Read on to learn more about the new director.

What Is Jaddou’s Background?

Before being appointed director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Jaddou served as chief counsel at USCIS from June 2014 to January 2017. According to uscis.gov, Jaddou is a daughter of immigrants. Her mother is from Mexico and her father is from Iraq. Jaddou was born and raised in Chula Vista, California. She received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from UCLA School of Law.

Jaddou’s Statement

On August 4th, uscis.gov released Jaddou’s statement:

“As a proud American and a daughter of immigrants, I am deeply humbled and honored to return to USCIS as director. I look forward to leading a team of dedicated public servants committed to honoring the aspirations of people like my parents and millions of others who are proud to choose this country as their own. USCIS embodies America’s welcoming spirit as a land of opportunity for all and a place where possibilities are realized.

“Since January, USCIS has taken immediate steps to reduce barriers to legal immigration, increase accessibility for immigration benefits, and reinvigorate the size and scope of humanitarian relief. As USCIS director, I will work each and every day to ensure our nation’s legal immigration system is managed in a way that honors our heritage as a nation of welcome and as a beacon of hope to the world; reducing unnecessary barriers and supporting our agency’s modernization.

“As we look to the future, I am excited for the work ahead and ready to roll up my sleeves to implement Secretary Mayorkas’ goals and the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that the work of USCIS lives up to our nation’s highest values.”


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