USCIS Implements New Security Vetting Process: What Applicants Need to Know About Delays in Immigration Cases

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has recently implemented a new security vetting procedure that is already causing significant delays in the processing of many immigration applications nationwide.

While USCIS has described the disruption as temporary, the new process is expected to affect a broad range of pending cases and may lead to slower adjudications for many applicants and families across the United States.

For individuals with pending immigration matters, understanding what is happening — and what it may mean for their case — is extremely important.

What Changed?

Effective April 27, 2026, USCIS began implementing an updated fingerprint-based security screening process tied to expanded access to federal criminal history databases.

As part of this initiative, USCIS is reportedly re-running background and fingerprint checks on a large number of pending immigration applications where biometrics had already been collected before the new policy took effect.

Importantly, this is not a formal suspension of immigration processing. USCIS offices continue to conduct interviews, receive filings, and process applications. However, many cases that require fingerprint-based security checks may not receive final approval until the updated vetting process is completed.

In practical terms, this has created a nationwide slowdown affecting numerous immigration benefit categories.

Which Cases May Be Affected?

The updated security review appears to apply broadly to applications requiring biometrics and background checks, including:

• Adjustment of Status (Green Card) applications

• Naturalization (Citizenship) applications

• Asylum applications

• Family-based petitions

• DACA renewals

• VAWA self-petitions

• T visas

• U visas

• Other humanitarian and employment-based immigration benefits

USCIS has indicated that most applicants will not need to attend a new biometrics appointment because the agency intends to use fingerprints already on file.

However, pending cases may still experience delays while fingerprint records are resubmitted and reprocessed through the updated system.

Why This Matters

Although USCIS has publicly suggested that delays should be temporary, immigration practitioners across the country are already reporting noticeable slowdowns in case approvals.

For many applicants, the most important takeaway is this:

A lack of movement on your case does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your application.

Many otherwise approvable cases may simply be waiting for completion of the new security review process.

Because the new vetting protocol reportedly expands USCIS access to additional criminal history information, applicants with prior arrests, dismissed charges, juvenile matters, expungements, or sealed records should exercise additional caution.

Even incidents that did not result in convictions could potentially trigger Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) or Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”) if USCIS seeks clarification or additional documentation.

Increased Importance of Proactive Legal Review

This development highlights the importance of carefully reviewing any criminal or law enforcement history with experienced immigration counsel — even if:

• charges were dismissed,

• records were sealed,

• the matter occurred many years ago,

• or the applicant was told the issue was “cleared.”

Immigration law applies its own standards when evaluating criminal-related conduct, and issues that may appear minor under state law can still raise questions during federal immigration review.

Applicants should also ensure that:

• mailing addresses remain current with USCIS,

• all notices are reviewed carefully,

• and any government correspondence is addressed promptly.

What Applicants Should Expect Going Forward

At this stage, applicants should prepare for the possibility of:

• longer adjudication timelines,

• slower approval issuance,

• additional security-related review,

• and increased scrutiny in some cases.

Unfortunately, many delays may occur behind the scenes without visible online case updates.

While the current situation may understandably create anxiety for applicants and families waiting on immigration decisions, patience and careful case monitoring will be critical during this period.

Our Firm Is Monitoring the Situation Closely

Our office is actively monitoring ongoing developments involving USCIS security vetting procedures and nationwide adjudication delays.

We understand how stressful uncertainty in the immigration process can be, especially for individuals and families awaiting critical decisions affecting work authorization, lawful status, permanent residence, or protection-based applications.

If you have a pending immigration case and are concerned about how these changes may affect your application — particularly if your case involves any prior arrests, citations, dismissed charges, or sealed records — we encourage you to consult with qualified immigration counsel to assess any potential risks proactively.

As additional guidance and implementation details emerge, we will continue providing updates regarding how these procedural changes may affect immigration processing nationwide.