The OIG also called on the USCIS to finalize and roll out plans to upgrade and standardize IT hardware and software systems and to make sure that users from across the bureau are involved in the effort.

In a written response to the OIG, USCIS Deputy Director Jonathan Scharfen generally agreed with the assessment and acknowledged that more work needs to be done. He also said that transforming USCIS business processes, coupled with updating IT, remains a high priority for the bureau.

However, Scharfen disagreed with the OIG's assessment that the agency's involvement in business transformation activities had "waned." Scharfen said the agency's IT office has remained involved over the past year, even while working with a new CIO.