Learning About the USCIS

passport and social security card

At Buhler Thomas Law. P.C., our immigration attorneys are here to help you with any and all citizenship- or immigration-related issues. Many of our dealings are directly with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, abbreviated USCIS.

What exactly is the USCIS, and what are its primary purposes and functions? Let’s take a look.

Primary Functions

The primary functions of the USCIS are twofold: Processing petitions and applications for naturalization, visas or asylum, and making adjudicative decisions at specific service centers. They also manage all immigrations benefits and related functions, with responsibilities including:

  • Issuing employment authorization documents
  • Granting lawful permanent resident status
  • Granting citizenship to the United States
  • Adjudicating asylum claims
  • Adjudicating petitions for non-immigrant workers

The USCIS is a continuation of the former INS, which handled many of these responsibilities. The USCIS does not enforce immigration laws – this designation remains under the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The primary focus of the USCIS is on permanent residence and the naturalization process, which are both vital factors for immigration.

Form Management

Any forms related to immigration or naturalization are handled exclusively by the USCIS. Forms will have a name, then a sequence featuring one letter followed by two or three digits. Forms for naturalization will contain an N, where forms for immigration will contain an I.

Operations

There are a few specific operations in which the USCIS is involved:

  • Funding: The USCIS is funded primarily by user fees, which often account for up to 99 percent of the total budget, which is in the billions.
  • Internet: The USCIS has had its current official website (gov) since a redesign in 2009, and they also run an online appointment schedule which allows people to ask immigration questions. They also maintain an immigration blog.
  • Staffing: Roughly 19,000 employees are employed by the USCIS, with over 200 offices around the globe.

Want to learn more about the USCIS, or how our immigration attorneys can help you interact with them properly? Speak to a citizenship attorney at Buhler Thomas Law. P.C. today.

Buhler Thomas Law, P.C.
Excellent
Vale D.
Very impressed with the work that was completed. I've worked with many law firms & attorneys from many different industries. Kim & he team are by far the most impressive in this field than anybody else. I plan to work with them in a few years again. Thanks Kim & team!
Response from the owner:Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your review is so appreciated during this chaotic time in our nation. Our sincerest gratitude for taking this time to write this review.
Yolanda O.
Kim and Eliza are amazing to work with! They have helped us through 2 H1B processes. Their attention to detail, thorough communication and encouragement made a complicated process easy and smooth on our end. I highly recommend them for your immigration needs.
Response from the owner:I wish all our clients were as responsive as you were. It was our pleasure to work with you.
Mr. J
Kim is great at what she does. Very professional, detail oriented and super friendly. She never made my wife and I feel rushed and answered every single question no matter how small it was. She helped us with the entire immigration process and made a very stressful and daunting task managable and understandable. I would higly recommend her.
Response from the owner:Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave us a review. We enjoyed working with both of you. Best Wishes for the future.
Jennifer A.
As a former congressional staffer, I have often needed advice on immigration cases. Kim has been my go-to person for answering immigration questions. She is extremely experienced and understands the nuances of immigration law. Kim works diligently to provide personalized service and treats each client like they are the most important one. She is honest and tells the truth, even if it might not be what an individual might want to hear. I am so grateful for her sharing her expertise with me for over 15 years!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your review. I was always impressed with how hard you worked for your constituents. You went far and beyond and always many extra miles for the immigrants you helped. I watched you change lives.
Karen Acuña P.
I had an amazing experience working with Kim on my immigration process. She was incredibly responsive and always on top of my case. Her work was very efficient, and her paralegals were super helpful as well. I highly recommend Kim to anyone needing immigration assistance.
Response from the owner:Karen, this is so much for taking the time to leave us review. We loved working with your family. Wishing you the very best.
Bonnie G.
Working with Buhler Thomas Law has been an amazing experience. Kim and her team are experts in the field of immigration law and highly professional. They are detailed, responsive, passionate, fair, and they care about their clients. In a field that can be frustrating, this team knows how to get the job done. I highly recommend Buhler Thomas Law.
Response from the owner:Bonnie, thank you so very much. It was an honor to work with you.
Allyson B.
Kim has been with us through our entire immigration journey so far. Truly the stress of immigration is so intense, having someone to lay it out in simple terms and with check lists and review sessions is absolutely a godsend. She's so knowledgeable with the entire process and she makes sure that every question is answered and that you get every minute of your booked time with her to run through anything you might need an answer to. We will keep hiring Kim for the rest of my journey to citizenship and we're so thankful for everything she's helped us with up to this point. I would recommend Kim to anyone looking for an immigration lawyer!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Allyson for your kind words. It is always a pleasure to be a part of your journey.
Robin R.
Strongly recommend Kim and her team. They handled our complex, time sensitive case with a sense of urgency, action and empathy. They made a difficult process feel seamless.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Robin! It was our honor to work with you.
Ratchapong K.
I highly recommended attorney Kim. I came to the USA on a fiancé visa. Her and her team work really efficiently and effectively. They helped me prep the documents for adjustment of status (I-485). After submitting, it only take 3 months for USCIS to approve my green card. Anyone who is filing for I-485, I highly recommend using her service. If you file on your own to save money, you might end up missing documents and significant delay your EAD and green card.
Response from the owner:You two are amazing! The U.S. Is lucky to have you!
Matthew M.
Kim could not have been more helpful to me in my situation. She and her team were very responsive, understanding, and patient with me as I navigated my immigration status. Kim’s team experience and connections played a vital role in me hitting certain milestones to make sure I was legal to work and stay in the country as I graduated school. I will continue to consult with her as long as she practices!
Response from the owner:Matthew—we were grateful to be a part of your family’s journey. Congratulations!
Kathleen Ann van H.
We are delighted to have been introduced to Buhler Thomas Law, P.C. through a family member! We are so grateful to Kim and her paralegals for their empathetic manner towards us, during this overwhelming process. They held our family's confidentiality close and answered all our difficult questions. We have been supported extremely well, throughout our immigration process and would highly recommend Kim and her paralegals. Thank you for your dedication on our behalf! We will always remember you.
Response from the owner:Kathleen, we truly feel honored to have been part of your process. HAPPY 4th of July!
Adam P.
Kim and her team did a fantastic job at assisting our organization with the H1B process. They were extremely thorough and detail oriented. I would definitely recommend Buhler Thomas Law for any of your immigration attorney needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for leaving this review. We appreciate how responsive you were to our requests. Your organization is lucky to have you as their employee.
Rachel V.
Kim and her paralegals were amazing. I was able to get my green card. Kim was always responsive and helpful. I would/will recommend all my family and friends to Kim! The process was smooth, especially considering this kind process. Kim was always willing to talk and ease my mind throughout the whole thing. We love her and her team!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Rachel!!! My team loved working with you both. You were always on top of your case.
Nigel C.
Kim and her team were amazing to work with. Working with them on my H1B filing process was both relieving and rewarding. It was relieving because as a first-timer for my employer to go through such a process, they were able to help us prepare our case and answer our questions along the way. On top of that, they did it promptly as our case was very time-sensitive. It was rewarding because our case was approved the first time with no additional information being requested for either clarification or incomplete application. From start to finish, they demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to meeting our needs. You can never go wrong with Buehler Thomas Law, they are exceptional! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! You have an incredibly bright future ahead of you.
Tammy N.
Kim was awesome and super helpful. The process was smooth and much easier with her help. We couldn’t have done it without her help. I would highly recommend her law firm.
Response from the owner:Tammy!! It was a pleasure working with you both. America is better because of you!
Andre B.
Kim helped our family and a number of our friends. We found Kim extemely helpful, experienced, and productive. She made sure that everything flowed effectively and efficiently. She is very friendly and easy to work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you Andre! I think the world of Judy and you!
Jude O.
Kim and her office has been great to work with! They have been very helpful and informative on the process. Everything was filed in a timely manner and they have been very easy to reach for any questions or concerns. I would recommend them for your immigration needs! I will be utilizing them again in the near future.
Response from the owner:We have really enjoyed working with you both. We look forward to working with you again!
marshall621
Kim was a great help to me and my wife. We felt like she was extremely responsive and accommodating to our situation. She helped keep us on track and kept things running smoothly. My wife was very anxious at the start and Kim helped her feel comfortable with with process and answer all her questions. We were extremely happy with how the whole process went. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thank you so very much for leaving this review for me. Wishing you two the very best in life.
Hannah T.
Kim was responsive and got my application completed quickly. Answered all my questions thoroughly and honestly! 😊
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Hannah for writing this review. I can't wait to see where life takes you. The U.S. is better because of immigrants like you.
Whitney K.
We have loved working with Kim and her team. Every question is always answered and quickly. We have txt Kim on the weekends and she either called or text so quickly.
We never feel we are an inconvenience to them. We couldnt recommend them more!!!!
Response from the owner:You were so easy to work with. It was our pleasure.
Pablo P.
Collaborating with the Buhler Thomas Office was a truly enjoyable experience. Their expertise in navigating the intricacies of the immigration process was outstanding. They provided smooth and accurate guidance in submitting applications and offered unwavering support at every stage of the journey.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pablo for taking the time to write a review! We are so happy that your case was successful, due in great part to your tenacity!
Christian Q.
If you're looking for exceptional service, look no further than Kim Buhler's office. My experience with Kim dates back to 2005, and to this day, I remain astounded by her unwavering commitment to her clients.

Kim guided me through a personal case with unparalleled expertise and compassion. From the moment we walked through her doors, she took the reins, guiding us through every intricate detail with a level of care that felt like she was holding our hands every step of the way.

Navigating legal matters can often feel daunting, but Kim's confidence and assurance in the process immediately put me at ease. True to her word, everything unfolded exactly as she had outlined, leaving no room for uncertainty or surprises.

Years later, Kim once again proved to be a beacon of reliability and support when she came to the aid of a close friend, rectifying mishandled matters with effortless precision.

Recently, I turned to Kim for assistance yet again, and true to form, her honesty and direct approach shone through. While she couldn't directly assist in this particular instance, her immediate referral to a trusted colleague spoke volumes about her integrity and dedication to her clients' needs.

Time and time again, Kim Buhler continues to surpass my expectations. Her unwavering professionalism, coupled with her genuine concern for her clients' well-being, sets her apart as a true gem in the legal profession. If you're seeking not just legal counsel, but a partner you can trust wholeheartedly, Kim Buhler is the name you need to know.
Response from the owner:Christian, thank you so very much for taking the time to write this review. I can't believe it hs been 19 years since we first met. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2024.
Iolanda Costa R.
Kim was amazing. We had one free consultation with her and the final review before filling and I just got my permanency approved. Her advice is valuable in terms of documents you need, organization of documents, preparation, etc. It was a super smooth process, USCIS did not ask for any additional documents or interview. I definitely recommend Kim if you are a student. She is an expert. I am so happy!
Response from the owner:I can't tell you how much your review means to me. Congratulations!! We are a better nation because of immigrants like you!!!
Elisa D.
Kim is an amazing attorney! She is very knowledgeable on everything related to immigration law. Our process was very long and difficult, but she was there to guide us on every step. Her team is also very attentive and responsive. I highly recommend her office!
Response from the owner:Eliza and I loved working with your family. You guys did the hard work. Thank you for showing us what “grit” looks like!
ALE
Kim Buhler-Thomas, a legal eagle who's got more brains than a flock of Einsteins and a heart bigger than a sumo wrestler's appetite.

This woman is a legal powerhouse who's been kicking butt and taking names for over 20 years. She's got a track record of winning cases that would make even Perry Mason jealous. And she's not just a legal whiz, she's also a genuinely caring person who's dedicated to helping her clients.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "A lawyer with a heart? That's like finding a unicorn with a jetpack." But I'm here to tell you that Attorney Buhler-Thomas is the real deal. She's not just interested in winning cases, she's also interested in helping her clients achieve their goals.

And if you're a student at Ensign College, you're in luck! Attorney Buhler-Thomas offers free consultations to students. That's right, free! So if you've got a legal issue, don't hesitate to reach out to her. She'll be happy to help you out.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "This all sounds too good to be true. There must be a catch." But I promise you, there is no catch. Attorney Buhler-Thomas is just a genuinely good person who wants to help others.

So if you're looking for a lawyer who's got the brains, the heart, and the skills to get the job done, then look no further than Attorney Kim Buhler-Thomas. She's the lawyer you need and the lawyer you deserve.

And if you're not convinced, just ask any student at Ensign College. They'll tell you that Attorney Buhler-Thomas is a legal superstar who's always willing to go the extra mile for her clients.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate your review. Best wishes in your future endeavors!
Tammy M.
I have a rare situation, and there was so much to worry about. Before I proceeded my case with Kim, I spoke to a few other attorneys, and the moment I consulted with Kim, I knew I should work with her. Very glad I made the decision! Kim and her team were very professional, honest, hard working, and knowledgeable on the whole procedure. They were always responsive, and we were able to fight the deadline. Things turned out smoothly and my case was approved in only 5 months. Would give them 10-star if I could. Truly grateful and I highly recommend Kim!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Tammy! It was such a great experience working with you.
AJ T.
Person in charge with scheduling is very incompetent. Talked to her 3 days a go and she told me to expect a call from Kim for their consultation on Friday around noon. I patiently waited for them to call me but it never happened. So i called their office and talked to her again and she was apologetic about the situation. I told her its okay I understand. And told me that she needs to talk to kim again and will give me a call back. After she's done talking to her. 1 hour passed still haven't heard from them. And i called again and asked her what is going on and told me to get another schedule for next week. I wasted my time trying to wait for them to call me which never happened and i have to be the one reminding her about it.

Update: 10/2/23
Kim personally reached out to us and made amends for what had happened with the scheduling. Kim was very professional and was able to answer our questions. Make us understand what we need based on our situation. I want to thank her for the effort she made to call us back.
Response from the owner:Hello AJ, this is Kim Buhler Thomas. I apologize that our office did not get back to you. I would be happy to meet with you on Monday. Please reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Please include your contact information. I will personally call you, and schedule a time to meet on Monday. I can also try to give you a call over the weekend. Have a nice weekend.
Eduardo C.
I really appreciate Kim and her team for their help with my Green Card application. They made the process straightforward and explained each step of the way. Kim replied to my emails and calls really fast. Her team put a lot of attention to detail on my package application. I was approved for my Green Card faster than I was expecting. I would love to work with Kim again for my citizenship application when the time comes. I would recommend her without hesitation.
Thank you Kim, Merah, Ash, and team for your help!
Response from the owner:It was truly our honor to work with you. Thank you for the privilege. Warmly, Kim and team.
Andrew E.
Kim and her team helped my wife and I get through her green card process. Kim impressed both of us with how quickly she addressed our questions and concerns and how effective she was at getting us through the process. My wife now has her green card and Kim has helped us get it renewed every time that has come up. I highly recommend Kim.

Thanks,
-Andrew
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your kind comments. It was my pleasure to help you both.
Jose L.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT HELP.
Buhler Thomas Law, P.C. was extremely helpful with our very long process of getting our US Permanent Residence. It was a complicated process mainly due to compiling documentation from several countries where we lived and keeping track of all that was quite challenging. The Buhler Thomas team was very patient and persistent specially with reloading info every time there was a comment/rejection from NVC. In the end, we managed to get through the entire process despite some delays caused by reiteration of document uploading and finally we were called for a personal interview at the consulate and from there a final check/interview at Immigration in the US. Two months later, we received our Permanent Residence (Green Card). Thanks a lot to the entire team at Buhler Thomas Law, P.C.
Jose Lacruz
Response from the owner:It was a pleasure to work with you and your family. We are so happy that you are permanent residents!
michael K.
Buhler Thomas Law were very helpful and informative by initially giving a consultation by answering questions and helping with reviewing my documents and in submitting these documents the process was quite easy because of them and I did not even get any issues I highly recommend them and would encourage everyone to try them out
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael for taking the time to write a review. It was a pleasure working with you.
Dennis L.
Speed, efficiency, professionalism -- Kim and her team are so good in what they do! After we got our documents together and submitted, the process was just so smooth, practically stress-free! The hardest part was probably gathering the documents, but when we slacked, Kim and her team were right there to make sure we moved on. The gentle persuasions, the reminders -- we knew we were taken care of! Thank you, Kim, and your amazing team!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Dennis. We enjoyed working with you and Flory. Please keep in touch!
Martin W M.
I’ve had Kim help me with stuff in the past. She’s super helpful and great to work with.
Response from the owner:Martin! Wow! Thank you!!! How nice to hear from you. I hope you are doing great. I think the world of you!
Kelly G.
RE: Recommendation of Buhler Thomas Law, P.C.

4/17/2023

Kim,
Your Law firm did exactly as promised. You stayed on top of my immigration paperwork and timeframes. When delays took place, you readily took over and resolved the issues the Immigration Department had.
Because of your diligence, I now have my Green Card and can proceed with my life in the USA with my husband.
Again, thank you so much with staying involved and resolving complications created by my move half way through the process.
I strongly recommend you and your firm to anyone wanting their immigration process to be handled professionally and in a timely manner.

Sincerely,
Wendy Harris Groth
Response from the owner:Wendy and Kelly, this made my day. Eliza and I truly enjoyed working with you both. Congratulations!
Justine K.
I worked with Kim to obtain my permanent residency status and she made the process so much easier! I tried to do the paperwork myself, but the application was so confusing to me and difficult to understand. When I connected with Kim, she was able to ask for my info in clear and simple ways so she could fill out my applications with the right items. This made me feel very confident going through the process. Her paralegal team (I worked with Tori and Sarah) was always quick to respond to my questions and calls and was thorough in putting together my documents. Also, they worked really fast! They really put together my application as soon as possible. Everyone at Buhler Thomas Law is kind, professional, and wise. I would recommend them over and over again. I can't thank them enough for their help.
Response from the owner:It was truly a pleasure working with you guys.
Zeb S.
Kim is very thorough and professional to work with. My wife and I are very happy we decided to work with her and would definitely recommend!
Response from the owner:It was a pleasure to work with both of you!
AHMAD K.
I can not be grateful enough to Kim and Thomas . The work they have done with their team to get me my H1B and Green Cards for my son and me was just amazing.
It was impressive how flexible and ready to answer all my questions with patience and niceness they are. They, all are very active and very responsive. I have been to their Office many times, I was received very well and warmly. I couldn't help but be impressed by their effectiveness and kindness!
Response from the owner:Ahmad, thank you SO much for being such a great client. My team and I are thrilled you are here and a part of the American dream.
Arnaldo F.
Informative and honest.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! This made my Sunday!
Audrey W.
My family really enjoyed working with Kim and her staff. She is very thorough and will help in whatever way she can. I highly recommend her work!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with your family.
Bob P.
Kim helped me and our department and university successfully navigate the obstacle course (to put it mildly) of the process to secure the immigration documents needed to hire and keep a great faculty member - who then recently received an award for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

I would highly recommend her to anyone requiring expert, sensitive, effective counsel for academic or individual needs. She would be a superb teacher herself - she clearly explained the underlying issues, principles, and requirements in ways that made it much easier to avoid mistakes as differing situations arose. She was patient and instilled appropriate patience in us to sustain us through the difficult process, but when immediate action was called for, she was always available at any time or day including weekends, and we could tell she was as passionate as we were for the hoped-for proper outcome. Similarly, the right combination of diplomatic where called for and direct when needed. Working on such fraught matters could have been a miserable experience, but with Kim it was a pleasure and actually enjoyable learning experience, and best of all for the colleagues involved and the school, it was a complete success.
Response from the owner:Thanks, Bob! You are awesome. Warmest wishes.
Jonathan H.
100% recommend!! Kim generously offers invaluable presentations at my university and several others. These presentations and her consultations have been a huge blessing to my family's immigration needs. Thank you Kim and staff!
Response from the owner:Jonathan, thank you for taking the time to make this comment. Wishing you and yours the best!
Roberto Villanueva R.
Great staff, friendly and courteous. Professional service.
Response from the owner:My team thinks the world of you!
Nneamaka I.
Excellent Immigration Service: For Peace of mind, go with Buhler-Thomas Law.
I highly recommend Kim Buhler-Thomas and her team for any immigration services. My employer retained Buhler-Thomas Law for their professional help for my transition from an OPT work authorization to an H1B visa. That was the best thing that happened to me. Kim and her team provided relevant and adequate advice to my employers and worked hard to ensure that my LCA application was certified by the DOL.
Kim and Chelsie, the paralegal assigned to my case, were deeply knowledgeable of the vast and complicated immigration process. The team at Buhler-Thomas Law responded promptly to my emails and questions, even working after office hours on my case. Their efficient preparation of my application packet and the filing process with the USCIS happened with zero tolerance for errors. As a result of their excellent immigration service, my H1B application got approved in record time without any request for evidence. I am sure my employers will retain their services for my permanent residency and green card processing.
Even more outstanding of their service was that I did not have to have physical contact with the Buhler-Thomas team. All communications, correspondence, and exchange of paperwork were done online!!! My physical presence at their office was not needed. For Peace of mind, go with Kim!!!
Response from the owner:Amaka, this post made my day. Chelsie is amazing. Its always a pleasure to work with clients who are as responsive as you.
oksana P.
When we were looking for an attorney to help us navigate the complex world of immigration law, we came across Buhler-Thomas Law. How can anyone have 5 stars with nearly a hundred reviews? By making the client feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for, as it turns out. Kim understood our unique situation and went out of her way to help us. Her team was attentive, patient, and diligent. Ash, in particular, spent a lot of time with us putting our documents in order. Kim made sure to be available for our questions, even if she had to explain some things a few times. Outstanding business ethics. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you Oksana! We are so happy to have the privilege of working with you and your family.
Janet N.
Kim and her staff helped our son with his K1 process. They told us what we needed to do and we just uploaded the documents. They put it together for us and sent it in. They were willing to take the time to help us review the documents and answer all the questions we had so that our K1 would be in great shape before it was sent.
Response from the owner:Janet, you were AMAZING to work with. You were always so good to work with. I hope all is well.