Effective April 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new security vetting protocol that has placed a hold on the issuance of approvals for virtually all pending immigration applications requiring fingerprint checks. USCIS field offices and asylum offices across the country have been notifying applicants and attorneys of the pause. While USCIS has described the resulting delays as temporary, the practical implications for applicants and their families may be more significant and prolonged than the agency has publicly indicated.

The new vetting process stems from expanded FBI database access granted to USCIS pursuant to Executive Order 12385, which directs federal criminal justice agencies to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with access to criminal history record information to the fullest extent permitted by law. According to CBS News, the FBI has extended to USCIS greater access to its criminal history database, prompting the agency to resubmit fingerprints for nearly all pending cases in which biometrics were previously collected prior to April 27, 2026. This resubmission requirement applies broadly across immigration benefit categories, including adjustment of status (green card) applications, asylum petitions, naturalization applications, family sponsorship petitions, DACA renewals, VAWA self-petitions, and T and U visa applications. USCIS has indicated that new biometrics appointments at Application Support Centers (ASCs) will generally not be required, as the agency intends to use fingerprints already on file. A limited exception has been reported for naturalization applicants with already-scheduled oath ceremonies, and cases with pending interviews are being prioritized for the updated checks. USCIS officers have also been directed that resubmission is not required for applications they intend to deny.

Although this is not a blanket suspension of all immigration activity, it effectively functions as an individual hold on the issuance of any approval for cases requiring fingerprint-based vetting, a category that is believed to encompass millions of pending applications nationwide. This development is connected to the Administration's broader review of security and vetting procedures, including a previously implemented pause on adjudications affecting nationals of certain countries following the National Guard shooting incident. USCIS has confirmed that the new security checks are in place and has stated that any delays should be brief. However, information gathered from immigration practitioners across the country suggests that clients should realistically expect delays of several months, as USCIS works through the bulk reprocessing of background checks across its entire pending caseload.

We want our clients to be aware of a few important considerations as this process unfolds. First, if you have a pending application, please know that a lack of updates or movement on your case is likely attributable to this nationwide hold and is not necessarily a reflection of any issue with your individual filing. Second, because USCIS will now have access to a broader range of criminal history data, there is an increased possibility of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) in cases involving arrests or charges that did not result in convictions, juvenile records, and sealed records. If any of these circumstances apply to your situation, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can discuss how this may affect your case.

We will continue to monitor this matter and keep you informed as new information becomes available. As always, if you have any questions about your pending application or immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact our office. 703-348-1663

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