The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has recently implemented a new security screening and vetting process effective April 27, 2026.
USCIS Enhanced Security Screening Process
Under the new USCIS enhanced screening process, currently pending immigration applications that require fingerprints will have their approvals halted until the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enhanced vetting of biometrics is complete.
This means that the DHS will now resubmit the background checks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for greater access to applicants’ criminal history.
Applicants do not have to do anything else, nor take new fingerprints.
This security vetting process is only for applications that require fingerprint checks and are currently pending. This includes Adjustment of Status, naturalization and family sponsorship applications.
Increased Access To Applicants’ Criminal History
Federal criminal justice agencies will now give DHS full access to criminal history and record information to the full extent permitted by law, as required by Executive Order 12385.
Effect of the New Security Vetting on Your Immigration Case
The immediate effect of the new enhanced security vetting on your immigration case is that you may experience a delay in getting your immigration case approved.
After the DHS completes screening the current cases on ‘hold’, they will process the newer immigration applications for fingerprint checks.
Finally, many applicants may face an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) due to previous arrests and even sealed and juvenile criminal cases.
Thank you for reading this article.
If you have questions about your immigration matter or need help from our immigration law office, please schedule an appointment with our immigration lawyer, Attorney Doreen Emenike at www.emenikelaw.com, at “Book Appointment”.
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