Trump administration mandates enhanced security checks for immigration applicants
Summary
The Trump administration has started new, stronger background checks for many immigrants applying for legal immigration benefits. This means some applications are being delayed while officials run more detailed criminal history checks using expanded FBI data access.Key Facts
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now requiring enhanced FBI background checks on many immigration applications like asylum, green cards, and citizenship.
- Pending cases without these expanded checks are being paused until the new checks are complete.
- The expanded checks stem from a February executive order by President Donald Trump giving USCIS greater access to FBI criminal history databases.
- These checks focus on applicants who submit fingerprints and include family sponsorship and fiancee petitions.
- USCIS officers must re-submit fingerprints for cases checked before April 27, unless they plan to deny the application.
- The agency says the delays will be brief and is prioritizing U.S. safety in its screening process.
- These measures are part of broader immigration restrictions under President Trump, including pauses on asylum cases and travel bans affecting 39 countries.
- USCIS has also increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media for "anti-American" views or activities.
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