Addressing Statelessness in the United States The United States has recently championed diplomatic efforts to address the problem of statelessness worldwide,125 in large measure through the U.S. Department of State; yet the circumstances and treatment of stateless individuals within the United States receive very little attention. The year 2011 marked the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Convention.126 As the culmination of this Commemorative year, UNHCR hosted a ministerial meeting of States in December 2011. States were asked to announce at that meeting pledges that would enhance their commitment to meeting their obligations and improve the quality of protection and of the lives of individuals within their territory covered by this instrument. In his closing remarks, UNHCR High Commissioner António Guterres stated: “Where I believe there was a real breakthrough, a quantum leap, was in relation to the protection of stateless people”.127 At that meeting, the United States made several pledges relating to stateless individuals including those in the United States.128 These pledges are positive steps that reflect both efforts already underway, as well as the need for further action. If fulfilled, these pledges will go a long way towards enhancing the rights and protections accorded stateless individuals. In recent years, DHS has provided limited administrative measures for stateless individuals on a case-by-case basis, such as facilitating a grant of work authorization or considering a reduction in the frequency or extent of reporting or supervision requirements. Although these administrative remedies assist the few individuals who obtain 28 U.S. Government Pledges to Address Statelessness in the United States Actively work with Congress to introduce legislation that provides a mechanism for stateless persons in the United States to obtain permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Consider the revision of administrative policies to allow the circumstances of stateless persons to inform decision-making regarding their detention, reporting requirements, and opportunity to apply for work authorization. U.S. Commemorations Pledges December 7, 2011 129 them, they are not known or accessible to most stateless individuals. At present, there is no uniform written guidance on how immigration officials should treat stateless individuals, including when and how to assess whether an individual is, in fact, stateless; setting the terms of release from detention; specifying the requirements under orders of supervision; or granting work authorization. In addition, there is no designated office or entity responsible for addressing issues of statelessness; no office or entity designated to make stateless status determinations and no stateless determination process in place.130 The first comprehensive legislative solution that would provide a pathway for stateless individuals residing in the United States to obtain lawful status was introduced in Citizens of Nowhere: