Sen. McCaskill seeks answers regarding multiple Electronic Immigration System errors

In the wake of reports that the Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) issued more than 20,000 green cards in error, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) sent a letter to Acting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director James McCament, requesting information regarding his department’s planned future use of the system.

In early 2017, an urgent recommendation was issued from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of the Inspector General stating that USCIS stop all plans to restart the use of ELIS, given its persistent errors.

The system had previously experienced issues ranging from inconsistent background checks, technical difficulties, and mistakenly issuing thousands of green cards.

“It’s a threat to our national security if we’re sending out incorrect or duplicate green cards which could wind up in the hands of terrorists or criminals,” McCaskill said in release. “The Department of Homeland Security cannot and should not plan to use this technology again unless they’re absolutely sure they’ve resolved any remaining problems.”

In her letter, McCaskill specifically sought information regarding all awarded contracts and amendments for the USCIS ELIS, all acquisition decision event memos, the system’s mission needs and development plan, and any analysis of alternatives to USCIS ELIS that would digitize the immigration system.

USCIS did not immediately respond to the senator’s letter.

McCaskill currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a position she’s held since January 2017.