USCIS Imposes New FBI Security Checks, Pausing Many Immigration Cases
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, it will require enhanced FBI security checks for many immigration applicants, pausing a large number of pending cases nationwide. (cbsnews.com)
The change, announced under the Trump administration, took effect immediately and led to abrupt halts in adjudications for people awaiting visas, green cards and naturalization, CBS News reported. (cbsnews.com)
The episode traces back to the administration's broader push to tighten immigration screening, which directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to expand FBI vetting of applicants. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials framed the step as a security measure, while immigrant advocates warn it could deepen existing backlogs.
Details remain limited about who will be exempted or how long pauses will last, and the agency had not posted full guidance by Tuesday evening. Applicants and attorneys are advised to monitor USCIS channels for updates.
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📌 Key Facts
- Last week, USCIS issued internal guidance requiring resubmission of many pending immigration cases to enhanced FBI background checks.
- Officers were told not to approve any pending cases that have not undergone the expanded checks, effectively pausing decisions on those applications.
- The enhanced screenings apply to fingerprint-based applications, including green cards, naturalization, asylum and family or fiancee sponsorship petitions.
- USCIS said the change stems from a February 2026 Trump executive order that prompted the FBI to grant broader database access.
- USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler confirmed implementation of the new checks on April 28, 2026 and said processing remains ongoing with expected brief delays.
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