Haleh "Holly" Taghavi
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Services Officer III – Quality, Training, and External Affairs
Service Center Operations Directorate – Vermont Service Center (VSC)
01.2023 - Current
- Manage inquiry mailbox relating to the USCIS Ombudsman’s Office by responding to case questions, providing updates to pending cases, and completing timely reports for USCIS management and DHS OMB on pending and completed inquiries and cases requiring extended review processing.
- Manage the Congressional mailbox that serves as a direct line of communication with Congressional Staffers requesting case information on behalf of their constituents to include responding to inquiries and completing reports to USCIS management.
- Represent Vermont Service Center at Headquarters Expedite Roundtable panel to develop a directive wide SOP on how Service Centers and Field Offices should handle requests for expeditious processing.
- Develop and provide training for ISO II officers on the Congressional and Ombudsman portfolios.
- Utilize a variety of systems (C3, Salesforce, CIS2, RAILS, PCQS, CPMS, CCD, Benefits Hub, Global, PCIS, Microsoft Suite, SEVIS) to assist with researching customer inquiries to help resolve issues.
Immigration Services Officer II - Employment Based I-485 Adjudications/ Regressed Visas/ Division 7
Field Operations Directorate - National Benefits Center (NBC)
06.2019 - 01.2023
- Independently conduct extensive review of A-files, T-files, and digitized files during the pre-processing of I-485 applications and I-140 underlying petitions through the examination of initial documents to determine prima facie eligibility for field office interviews or interview waiver criteria adhering to immigration laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Analyze a wide spectrum of resources, including CHAP, USCIS Policy Manual, processing guides, standard operating procedures, legislative history, precedent decisions, and other legal references to follow the correct course of action for related EB form types such as I-485, I-485J (Supplement J), Supplement A under 245(i), I-612, I-693, I-765, and I-131 in order to approve or deny benefits sought by applicants.
- Highly knowledgeable and proficient in the research into USCIS systems which include PCQS, CIS, ECN, TECS, TECS by ELLIS, ICMS, GUL, EDMS, ELIS, VIBE, CPMS-IVT, CCD, CCD-IVAMS, ECHO, NPWR, FDNS-DS, NASS, SEVIS and SRMT in order to research historical timelines, legal entries, maintenance of status, employment classifications, priority dates, cross- chargeability; visa allocations, security checks; and to provide timely updates based on adjudicative decisions for interview waiver eligible cases and Regressed Visa cases.
- Highlight VIBE Red score cases that require FDNS referrals and interfile the applicable Summary of Findings (SOF) or Record of Action (ROA) in the appropriate files which require further field office interviews or site visits.
- Compose variety of Requests for Evidence (RFE) correspondence and write denial decisions based on insufficient evidence responses or other statutory denial reasons.
- Consistently collaborative in providing time sensitive case resolutions from various customer requests through Congressional liaisons, Ombudsman representatives, Field Office personnel or SRMT inquiries.
- Recognize the vital role in the analysis of document discrepancies that appear to be inconsistent with evidence submitted or based on file and system history review as potential fraudulent concerns or fraud factors that require further vetting by FDNS.
- Judicious in carrying out excellent customer service and deliver value-added services to applicants seeking to adjust status to Legal Permanent Residency by the completion of cases in a timely and efficient manner.
- Very effective in the contribution of ideas and solutions during team discussions and complex case analyses.
- Collaborated with NBC leadership to determine stakeholder outreach goals and created a dynamic course of action.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans based on national, state, and local level initiatives through regular discussions with members of the HQ External Affairs team, NBC leadership and FOD Community Relations leadership in the maintenance of training materials for the planning process and stakeholder engagement activities that ultimately achieved deadlines and milestones.
- Organized and coordinated with NBC leadership and program offices to plan and schedule leadership visits and informational tours about the NBC’s work products and processes for visiting agency representatives and dignitaries to obtain the NBC facilities located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas.
- Drafted and delivered vital correspondence on behalf of the NBC Director to staff regarding upcoming engagements and visitors.
Refugee Officer
Refugee Asylum and International Operations - Refugee Affairs Division
06.2016 - 01.2019
- Conducted interviews and determined eligibility for immigration benefits by utilizing stringent and country specific security vetting information, proper INA policies, guidance, and procedures through the examination of documents for authenticity during the final adjudication process for Forms I-590 and I-589 refugee and asylum applications.
- Generated and utilized intelligence information to mitigate trends in regard to refugee and asylee fraud and violations of law.
- Responded to public inquiries regarding case specific questions and general information.
- Conducted Credible Fear interviews and processed related applications in detention center settings.
- Analyzed Affirmative Asylum applications and performed security checks for fraud and national security factors and complete necessary reports while on detail to the Asylum Division Field office.
Supervisory Immigration Services Officer
Field Operations Directorate - Baltimore Field Office
02.2015 - 06.2016
- Quality reviewed all case work (Forms I-485 and N-400) for each officer on the training team.
- Administered daily oath ceremonies for naturalization candidates and guests.
- Conducted performance evaluations as well as trained all junior officers.
- Reviewed all fraud referrals from Adjudications Officers for input into the IFRS system.
- Provided supplemental training on a variety of adjudicative and non-adjudicative topics; assigned and scheduled case work for team members.
- Communicated policy and procedural changes to staff.
- Completed administrative work records for all staff and approved leave in keeping with office needs and schedule.
- Responded to requests for information based on Congressional inquiries and Customer Service inquiries.
- Served on Quality Workplace Awards and Recognition Committee for Baltimore District.
- Participated in hiring panel for District selection of ISO I, ISO II, and ISA candidates for hire.
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist
Customer Service and Public Engagement Directorate - Washington, DC
06.2012 - 02.2015
- Partnered with the Los Angeles Mayor’s office to expand awareness and education on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law Initiative in underserved areas designated as the ‘Promise Zone’.
- Developed and delivered training and instructive materials to public librarians throughout the country on a variety of immigration topics as part of the memorandum of agreement signed by USCIS and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Community Relations Officer
Field Operations Directorate - Dallas District Office
06.2010 - 03.2011
- Organized the first engagement between the Texas DMV and representatives from USCIS SAVE program to resolve issues and answer questions on each agency’s procedures and policies.
Overseas Adjudications Officer
Refugee Asylum and International Operations - Rome District Office
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Conducted interviews, fraud reviews, case research and adjudication on a full range of immigration benefits, including Naturalization (N-400), Refugee Status (I-590), Orphan Adoptions (N-600), Waivers (I-601), Waiver appeals and Requests for Review of Refugee (N-336) decisions.
- Supervisory review of Inadmissibility Waiver Applications, Refugee Applications, Naturalization Petitions, and Re-entry Applications adjudicated by field offices as part of quality assurance procedures for the Rome District.
- Created and presented training materials to various points of contact throughout the Rome District Office jurisdiction.
- Served as liaison with the public, the Department of State, and various Military offices regarding immigration issues and cases.
Immigration Services Officer II- Family Based Adjudications, Training
Service Center Operations, California Service Center (CSC), Laguna Niguel, CA
10.2004 - 09.2009
- Appointment by CSC management to serve on the Service Center Training Team as an instructor. During my two-year term, I conducted training on variety of topics for Service Center Staff including the adjudication of multiple application types, Adjudication Systems training, and writing skills.
- Serve as Acting Supervisor for team as needed and reviewed casework completed by other officers for accuracy and completeness.
- Research and answer questions regarding complex cases from other Service Center staff and mentored junior officers.
- Selected as a Background Check Unit (BCU) Officer to process cases involving National Security, Egregious Public Safety, Fraud, and other criminal issues; As part of this assignment, adjudicated the Controlled Application Processing Procedures utilized by officers in the BCU and served as liaison with other federal agencies including ICE HSI, FBI, and JTTF.
- Adjudicate a full range of immigration benefits, including Applications to Waive Grounds of Inadmissibility (I-601, I-212), Applications for Immediate Relatives (I-130), Applications for Fiancé (129F Petition), Applications to Adjust Status (I-485), and Petitions to Remove the Conditions on Residency (I- 751).
- Utilize a variety of systems (C3, Salesforce, CIS2, RAILS, PCQS, CPMS, CCD, Benefits Hub, Global, PCIS, Microsoft Suite, SEVIS) to conduct research in preparation for case adjudications.
- Conduct community outreach programs via educational and government recruitment fairs.
Immigration Services Officer I – Naturalization Adjudications
Field Operations Directorate – Los Angeles District, Santa Ana, CA
02.2003 - 10.2004
- Interview and examine applicants and make final decisions on Applications for Naturalization (N-400).
- Prepare written decisions and Notices to Appear on naturalization cases taking into consideration all applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and USCIS policies.
- Review cases adjudicated by other officers for completeness and verification of Naturalization Quality Procedures.
- Assist with large scale and high-profile naturalization oath ceremonies in the Los Angeles District.
- Selected to serve as Backup Applications Support Manager and Career Sustainment Coordinator.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Kansas School of Law
12.2002
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of Kansas
05.1997
Community Experience
- United States Attorney’s Office- District of Kansas, Federal Practice Clinic Legal intern for Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Mattivi.
- Douglas County Legal Aid, Provided assistance to indigent clients in Douglas County courts through KU law school program.
- Honor Flight National Capital Region and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County
USCIS Training
- Graduated from the USDA Executive Leadership Program, 2007-2008. Selected as graduation speaker by class and program faculty.
- Journeyman Adjudications Officer Training, 2005.
- Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Training, April 2015.
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Award for Highest Overall Academic Achievement in Adjudications Officer Basic Training Course as well as Outstanding Academic Achievement in the areas of Immigration Law I, II, III, and IV and Nationality Law, 2003.
Languages
Persian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Immigration Services Officer III – Quality, Training, and External Affairs
Service Center Operations Directorate – Vermont Service Center (VSC)
01.2023 - Current
Immigration Services Officer II - Employment Based I-485 Adjudications/ Regressed Visas/ Division 7
Field Operations Directorate - National Benefits Center (NBC)
06.2019 - 01.2023
Refugee Officer
Refugee Asylum and International Operations - Refugee Affairs Division
06.2016 - 01.2019
Supervisory Immigration Services Officer
Field Operations Directorate - Baltimore Field Office
02.2015 - 06.2016
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist
Customer Service and Public Engagement Directorate - Washington, DC
06.2012 - 02.2015
Community Relations Officer
Field Operations Directorate - Dallas District Office
06.2010 - 03.2011
Overseas Adjudications Officer
Refugee Asylum and International Operations - Rome District Office
09.2008 - 06.2010
Immigration Services Officer II- Family Based Adjudications, Training
Service Center Operations, California Service Center (CSC), Laguna Niguel, CA
10.2004 - 09.2009
Immigration Services Officer I – Naturalization Adjudications
Field Operations Directorate – Los Angeles District, Santa Ana, CA
02.2003 - 10.2004
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of Kansas
Juris Doctor -
University of Kansas School of Law