US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has formally stated that it is delaying adjudications for a wide range of immigration benefit applications due to the implementation of enhanced security vetting. The new vetting process follows a February 2026 executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maximize access to federal criminal history records and subsequent USCIS guidance including requiring the re-submission of certain fingerprint-based screenings. Employers and applicants may experience longer adjudication timelines, particularly for cases that were pending prior to late April 2026.
Executive order expands access to criminal history records
On February 11, 2026, an executive order titled, “Protecting the national security and welfare of the United States and its citizens from criminal actors and other public safety threats” was published in the Federal Register. The order directs DHS immigration authorities to access criminal history record information held by federal criminal justice agencies “to the maximum extent permitted by law” in support of immigration screening and vetting missions. The executive order reflects a policy shift toward more expansive and centralized use of criminal history data in immigration adjudications, with an emphasis on identifying criminal and public safety risks earlier in the process.
Enhanced fingerprint-based background checks
In late April 2026, USCIS distributed internal guidance instructing officers to implement enhanced FBI background checks for immigration benefit applications that require fingerprints. Pending applications must be re-submitted to the FBI’s Next Generation Identification system if prior fingerprint-based results were received before April 27, 2026.
The enhanced screening applies to a broad range of immigration benefits, including permanent residence (green cards), naturalization, asylum-related benefits, and certain family-based petitions. USCIS has confirmed that some cases are being paused while these expanded security checks are completed, resulting in longer processing times.
Practical consequences for applicants and employers
Adjudication timelines for affected cases are expected to exceed normal processing standards in light of the expanded security checks. USCIS has acknowledged that delays may occur but has stated that processing will continue as the new requirements are applied. While the agency has characterized the delays as temporary, no specific timeline has been provided for the completion of the re-screening process.
Accordingly, we recommend in light of the update:
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Stephanie Hardowar
Senior Associate
Mayreni Heredia
Manager
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