Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS is the verification source for naturalized and derived citizenship, and immigration status. The total cost of the DHS contract with CMS was $3,938,359 in FY2018, and there were 8,795,473 transactions, yielding an average cost of approximately 45 cents per transaction. This is the highest average cost of transactions with any TDS. The DHS charges according to a graduated fee schedule for using the database called “SAVE” (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program). There are up to 3 steps of SAVE verification process: Step 1 is a real-time “ping” to their system. Consumers who could not be successfully verified may go to Step 2, which takes a 3-5 days for additional database searches. The third step requires manual touch from a DHS Status Verification Officer and requires a G- 845 form. Costs are currently 50 cents per use at Steps 1 and 2 and $1.50 per use at Step 3. Automation through DHS’s paperless initiative will impact these costs in the future.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS is the verification source for naturalized and derived citizenship, and immigration status. The total cost of the DHS contract with CMS was $3,938,359 in FY2018, and there were 8,795,473 transactions. There are standard fees associated with using SAVE. There are up to 3 steps in the SAVE verification process: Step 1 is a real-time “ping” to their system. Consumers who could not be successfully verified may go to Step 2, which takes 3-5 federal working days in which a Status Verifier conducts additional database research on the data entered by the agency representative. Step 3 requires submission of electronic copies of the applicant’s immigration documents. Upon receipt of this documentation, a Status Verifier researches the data and documentation and verifies status.
