The United States government has introduced stricter background screening requirements for immigration applicants, marking a significant shift in how cases are reviewed.
Under new internal guidance issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), officers must now ensure all pending applications undergo expanded security checks before approval.
The updated policy, which took effect on 27 April, requires USCIS to access enhanced criminal history record information through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Next Generation Identification system.
'USCIS will begin receiving enhanced criminal history record information (CHRI) for all fingerprint-based background checks', according to an internal email.
The expanded access stems from a February executive order by US President Donald Trump directing immigration authorities to tap federal criminal databases 'to the maximum extent permitted by law'.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler confirmed the agency had 'implemented new security checks to strengthen the vetting and screening of applicants through expanded access to federal criminal databases',CBS Newsreported.
The move aims to identify potential security risks among applicants seeking entry or legal status in the United States.
With the implementation of the new policy, USCIS officers are directed not to approve applications that have not completed the enhanced vetting process. This affects applications for green cards, asylum, and US citizenship, as well as sponsorship petitions.
Authorities are also instructed to resubmit fingerprint data for cases processed before the new policy took effect, with re-submission required unless officers decide to reject the applications.
'Processing is ongoing as we apply these enhanced background check requirements. Any delay in decision issuance should be brief and resolved shortly', Kahler said.
Source: International Business Times UK
