Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-28 USCIS Appeal Process [24 CFR 5.514(e)] When the PHA receives notification that the USCIS secondary verification failed to confirm eligible immigration status, the PHA must notify the family of the results of the USCIS verification. The family will have 30 days from the date of the notification to request an appeal of the USCIS results. The request for appeal must be made by the family in writing directly to the USCIS. The family must provide the PHA with a copy of the written request for appeal and the proof of mailing. SAHA Policy SAHA will notify the family in writing of the results of the USCIS secondary verification within 14 calendar days of receiving the results. The family must provide SAHA with a copy of the written request for appeal and proof of mailing within 14 calendar days of sending the request to the USCIS. The family must forward to the designated USCIS office any additional documentation or written explanation in support of the appeal. This material must include a copy of the USCIS document verification request (used to process the secondary request) or such other form specified by the USCIS, and a letter indicating that the family is requesting an appeal of the USCIS immigration status verification results. The USCIS will notify the family, with a copy to the PHA, of its decision. When the USCIS notifies the PHA of the decision, the PHA must notify the family of its right to request an informal hearing. SAHA Policy SAHA will send written notice to the family of its right to request an informal hearing within 14 calendar days of receiving notice of the USCIS decision regarding the family’s immigration status. Informal Hearing Procedures for Applicants [24 CFR 5.514(f)] After notification of the USCIS decision on appeal, or in lieu of an appeal to the USCIS, the family may request that the PHA provide a hearing. The request for a hearing must be made either within 30 days of receipt of the PHA notice of denial, or within 30 days of receipt of the USCIS appeal decision. The informal hearing procedures for applicant families are described below. Informal Hearing Officer The PHA must provide an informal hearing before an impartial individual, other than a person who made or approved the decision under review, and other than a person who is a subordinate of the person who made or approved the decision. See Section 16-III.C. for a listing of positions that serve as informal hearing officers. EXHIBIT 1