While reviewing the database for the purpose of vetting immigration applications is not a new process, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has now acquired increased access to the federal agency’s criminal history information as a new, enhanced security verification process commences.
According to CBS News, the administration has requested a temporary halt on certain cases while these new changes are being put into effect. Last week, the USCIS has issued internal guidance to its officers, instructing them to resubmit pending applications for immigration benefits, which include asylum, , and US citizenship, for deeper background checks.
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Officers have been instructed to avoid approving any pending cases that have not yet undergone the comprehensive background checks.
The order instructed the Justice Department, which supervises the FBI, to grant USCIS access to its criminal history database “to the maximum extent permitted by law” in order to identify criminal individuals.
“Such criminal actors may include foreign nationals with criminal histories who have entered or remained in the United States in violation of the immigration laws of the United States or who otherwise seek to violate the criminal laws of the United States,” Trump stated in his order.
Who will be impacted by new vetting process?
The improved verification processes will impact outstanding benefit applications that require applicants to provide fingerprints, including applications for Green Cards (permanent residency in the U.S.) and naturalization, as stated in the internal guidelines. This will also extend to sponsorship petitions submitted for the relatives or fiancées of US citizens or Green Card holders.
Fingerprint-based screenings
USCIS officers were instructed to re-submit fingerprint-based screenings if the FBI information pertaining to the relevant cases was obtained before April 27. Officers were informed that resubmissions are not required if they plan to deny an application.
“Processing is ongoing as we apply these enhanced background check requirements. Any delay in decision issuance should be brief and resolved shortly,” USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler told CBS News, adding that “USCIS will always prioritize the safety of the American people.”
The enhanced security screenings is the latest effort by the Trump administration to rigorously evaluate people seeking immigration benefits and to restrict access to the US immigration system.
