Who is responsible for conducting mandatory TECS checks on applicants?

The responsibility for conducting mandatory TECS checks on applicants falls to USCIS Officers as part of their duties in evaluating immigration applications. TECS, which stands for "Treasury Enforcement Communications System," is a system used to support national security by providing information related to immigration status and potential security threats.

USCIS Officers utilize TECS checks to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to national security or public safety, verifying their background against various databases. This process is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring that only eligible individuals are granted immigration benefits.

Other entities, such as the Department of State officials, Customs and Border Protection agents, and FBI agents, have their specific roles in the broader immigration and security framework but do not conduct these particular checks as part of the application process managed by USCIS. Their responsibilities differ in focus, such as diplomatic functions, border security, and law enforcement, rather than directly handling the assessments related to immigration applications.