Natalia Wilches
Summary
Innovative and detailed Immigration Officer with more than fifteen years of comprehensive experience in the immigration field. Expert in interviewing applicants and reviewing documentation to assess applicant's eligibility for an immigration benefit. Diligent professional skillful in legal research, data analysis, and evaluation of documentary evidence. I am seeking a challenging position to apply the knowledge I acquired throughout the years to better serve the mission of our nation and USCIS with integrity, accountability, and honesty.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Immigration Officer GS-1801-13-5 Full Time 40 Hrs.
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
971 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
08.2018 - Current
- Detailee as a Social Media conductor for Headquarters Social Media Division (HQSMD) from January 9, 2023, to January 3, 2024, reporting to Supervisors Matthew J Delaney (202) 705-9028 and Kirk Thompson (540)419-7199. Duties included: Conducting social media checks for HQSMD for refugee populations involving benefit fraud, public safety, and/or national security concerns. Reviewing, collecting, and analyzing data for the type of social media check assigned. Documenting and recording social media results in the Social Media Screenshot Document, Social Media Assessment Document, and NexGen. Researching and identifying information involving national security concerns Reviewing and analyzing SMD policies, systems, and procedures.
- Conducting administrative investigations and site visits for cases involving immigration benefit fraud, national security concerns, or accreditation of representatives before USCIS/DHS.
- Reducing immigration fraud through thorough examination of documents, conducting interviews, performing system checks, and making determinations regarding potential administrative and/or criminal violations.
- Serving as a liaison to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat fraud and deter and detect national security and public safety threats
- Assisting to Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) by screening and vetting subjects to resolve identity issues, deconflicted national security (NS) concerns, public safety concerns and/or fraud
- Conducting social media checks as the sole point of contact (POC), FDNS Immigration Officer (IO) for the Newark Field Office for cases involving benefit fraud, public safety, and national security concerns
- Assisting the Office for Legal Access Programs (OLAP) by conducting background checks and administrative investigations including site visits for organizations or individuals seeking to represent individuals and prepare applications before USCIS
- Communicating results of the findings and recommending accreditation of organizations or individuals to represent individuals before USCIS and/or DHS
- Developing anti-fraud tools and methodologist to collect and analyze data to identify fraud trends and patterns and to make recommendations to address vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the immigration system
- Developing, documenting, and disseminating intelligence-related data and training materials to internal and external partners
- Serving as a duty officer by responding to inquiries made by the Adjustment of Status Unit and Naturalization Unit at the Newark Field Office as well as other USCIS offices and law enforcement agencies
- Independently conducting research, interpreting, and analyzing laws and regulations, precedent decisions, state and local laws, international treaties, and other legal references to properly report the findings for each case
- Identifying, planning, developing, and delivering training activities including fraud trends, and referral guidance related to FDNS to Adjudications and Naturalization Units monthly.
- Managed workload efficiently while prioritizing cases based on risk assessment criteria provided by supervisors.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities including trainings on new technologies, policy updates, or procedural changes affecting my duties as an Immigration Officer.
- Exemplified teamwork by collaborating effectively with colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise to improve overall performance within the organization.
Immigration Service Officer GS-1801-12 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
970 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102
12.2013 - 08.2018
- Interviewed individuals seeking an immigration benefit to elicit statements, assess credibility, and analyze information to identify fraud and facts that form the basis for a decision to determine an applicant's eligibility for the benefit being sought through available electronic systems and background security checks in accordance with the laws and policies of USCIS, ensuring quality assurance
- Independently conducted legal research and prepared legal decisions and opinions, notices of intent to deny, notices of intent to rescind, notices to appear in removal proceedings, and brief responses
- Adjudicated applications including Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant; I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status, I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion, Form I-601 and Form I-212, Waivers of Inadmissibility, and Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Conducted security checks and assisted Federal law enforcement agencies to identify individuals who are ineligible for an immigration benefit due to national security concerns, public safety, immigration benefit fraud, or other legal grounds
- Independently conducted research, interpreting, and analyzing laws and regulations, precedent decisions, state and local laws, international treaties, and other legal references to make the appropriate decision when granting an immigration benefit
- Researched and made case determinations on reopening appealed cases and whether to reconsider previously rendered decisions
- Provided the public and State or Federal agencies with direct and continuing assistance daily through oral or written communication, resolving questions or answering to inquiries without causing unnecessary delays to either an applicant and/or organization
- Responded to inquiries through the SRMT system from applicants or attorneys as well as responding to congressional inquiries
- Developed procedures designated to detect and prevent benefit fraud, ensuring national security and supporting the intelligence community by examining documentation for authenticity for applications such as advance parole documents
- Approved and denied a request, petition, or application by properly articulating information effectively both orally and in writing to the public, attorneys, or community-based organization
- Mentored and trained other Officers to help them develop their interviewing skills while answering their questions or concerns
- Interviewed applicants in Spanish when necessary and/or translated during interviews for other Officers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving service-related issues.
Immigration Service Officer GS-1801-9 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
970 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102
09.2012 - 12.2013
- Adjudicated applications and petitions to determine an applicant's eligibility for the benefit being sought by using available electronic systems and security checks in accordance with the laws and policies of USCIS
- Researched, interpreted, and analyzed laws and regulations, precedent decisions, state and local laws, international treaties, and other legal references to make the appropriate decision when granting an immigration benefit
- Provided the public and State or Federal agencies with direct and continuing assistance daily through oral or written communication
- Responded to inquiries from applicants or attorneys through service request (SRMT) or InfoPass appointments
- Streamlined service processes for increased efficiency and improved customer experience.
- Conducted security checks and assisted federal law enforcements agencies to identify individuals who are ineligible for immigration benefits due to national security concerns, public safety, or other legal grounds
- Approved or denied a request, petition, or application by properly articulating information effectively both orally and in writing with people from diverse backgrounds
- Provided clear, accurate, and understandable application information to applicants, attorneys, or community-based organizations
- Provided applicant/petitioner/beneficiary support including liaison with internal and external stakeholders, problem resolution, and in-person services.
FDNS Immigration Officer GS-1801-9 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
10.2010 - 09.2012
- Conducted administrative investigations and site visits to obtain documents, conduct interviews, perform system checks, and make determinations regarding potential administrative and/or criminal violations
- Developed and documented findings obtained during site visits and in-person interviews for H-1B and religious petitions for pre-adjudicated or post-adjudication non-immigrant or immigrant visa applications to verify the eligibility of the requested immigration benefit
- Reviewed the petition or application filed to identify the information needed to be verified and the documentary evidence as well as the statements that would aid in the verification
- Provided detailed findings in the form of a Compliance Review Report (CRR) upon completion of the assignment within 60 days
- Acquired, maintained, interpreted, and applied laws, regulations, and policies on a case-by-case basis under minimal supervision
- Developed documents and anti-fraud tools and methodologies to collect and analyze data prior to conducting a site visit
- Received Public Safety Non-Egregious referrals from USCIS and non-USCIS sources to determine whether the alien is inadmissible or removable for a criminal offense and should be processed in accordance with PM-110 by reviewing the RAP sheet
- Examined and evaluated documentary evidence that would challenge or contradict statements and other information provided in support of an application or petition to then articulate such findings on a Statement of Findings (SOF)
- Prepared Referral to ICE (RTI) for investigation/notification by describing the predication of the case and why investigation by ICE was warranted.
Immigration Service Assistant GS-1812-7 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
970 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102
05.2009 - 10.2010
- Reviewed naturalization applications from applicants who applied on military basis (INA328 or INA329) or previously served in the military but are applying under INA316
- Scheduling them for fingerprints, interview and determining eligibility for benefits
- Ensured proper processing by routing applications and files to the appropriate section for adjudication and follow-ups on cases until completion
- Provided support to Immigration Services Officers by verifying information using various USCIS databases and resolution accuracy including review of applications and supporting documents
- Notified, explained, or justified individuals or offices of decisions, problems, or further actions needed
- Identified pending cases, making prima facie determinations, and supported naturalization ceremonies
- Assisted SAO with daily Oath Ceremonies
- Updated spreadsheets for Congressional and Military Naturalization based applications
- Prepared “True Certified Copies” for the court, and trial attorney unit
- Ordered and purchased supplies ensuring that requirements were met within allocated budget levels from GSA and Staples while maintaining an inventory supply spreadsheet.
- Resolved Attorney inquiries, maintaining a high level of professionalism and courtesy.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing timely and efficient service assistance.
Education
Liberal Arts
Essex County College
Newark, NJ12.2009
Skills
- Bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English
- Social Media Conductor for District N-14 (Newark & New Jersey Central)
- Proficient in using R2D2, AFI, Clear, Global, NexGen, PCQS, PCIS, UPAX, TECS, and CCD systems
- Interview Techniques
- Legal Knowledge of Immigration law
- Stakeholder Education
- Continuous Process Improvement
Accomplishments
Awarded the third highest academic standing for USCIS Basic Training for Immigration Service Officer Class 1103
Certification
Basic Training for Immigration Service Officer Class 1103
Graduating Score: 98 Graduation: July 20, 2011
FDNS Site Inspector Training Class 1102
Completion: November 5, 2010
FDNS Social Media Conductor & Assistor Training
Completion: August 23, 2019 (Renewed annually)
FDNS FOBTP Class of 1907
Completion: July 2019
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
References
Alana C Morel, FDNS Section Chief
973-848-2986
alana.morel@uscis.dhs.gov
William P. O'Connor, Supervisor Immigration Officer
973-848-2095/201-249-1239
william.p.oconnor@uscis.dhs.gov
Cecilia Jordan, Field Office Director
973-848-3292
cecilia.jordan@uscis.dhs.gov
Paulo M. Correia, Deputy District Director
973-848-2333
paulo.correia@uscis.dhs.gov
Valentine A. Parkinson, Supervisor Immigration Officer
646-761-1108
Timeline
Immigration Officer GS-1801-13-5 Full Time 40 Hrs.
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
08.2018 - Current
Immigration Service Officer GS-1801-12 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
12.2013 - 08.2018
Immigration Service Officer GS-1801-9 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
09.2012 - 12.2013
FDNS Immigration Officer GS-1801-9 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
10.2010 - 09.2012
Immigration Service Assistant GS-1812-7 Full Time
Department Of Homeland Security, USCIS
05.2009 - 10.2010
Liberal Arts
Essex County College