USCIS Implements New Security Vetting Process, Causing Adjudication Holds

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun implementing a new security vetting process that is expected to cause processing delays across a wide range of immigration benefits. Some of these delays have already been encountered in recent months.

What is changing in the immigration process?

In April 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly granted USCIS broader access to FBI records. This was done in response to the President’s Executive Order 12385, which directs federal criminal justice agencies to share criminal history information with the Department of Homeland Security, to the full extent permitted by law. 

The result is a new security vetting protocol that requires resubmission of fingerprints for many pending applications where biometric checks were completed prior to April 27, 2026.  Therefore, applications currently pending that remain eligible for approval cannot actually be approved until the new background check is completed.

Which applications are affected?

USCIS has not published formal guidance describing the full scope of affected cases.  However, based on the information available so far, the enhanced vetting process appears to impact all applications requiring fingerprints, including but not limited to:

• Applications for adjustment of status to permanent residence (green card)
• Naturalization applications to obtain U.S. citizenship
• Asylum
• Work authorization applications, and more.

How long will the delays last?

At this stage, the duration of these delays remains unclear. USCIS has acknowledged implementing new security checks and stated publicly that processing is “ongoing,” adding that any delays should be brief and resolved shortly.

However, no timeline has been provided, and it is unknown how many applications are affected or how the resubmission of biometrics will be handled operationally.  And in practice, attorneys all over the country have been experiencing prolonged and unexplained delays in case approvals, after all processing steps were otherwise complete.

What should applicants and employers do?

For now, applicants should be prepared for longer‑than‑expected processing times, even for cases that were previously nearing completion. In most situations, there is no affirmative action required unless USCIS issues a new biometric appointment notice or other request.  Employers and families with time‑sensitive immigration needs should factor in the possibility of additional delays and consider connecting with their legal counsel to assess whether interim options may be appropriate.

We are closely monitoring this development and assessing its impact on pending and future cases.  If you have questions about how this new vetting process may affect your application or business, or if you are experiencing unusually prolonged delays, contact Attorney Raluca (Luca) Vais-Ottosen at 608-252-9291 or rvo@dewittllp.com.