The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented enhanced background checks using expanded access to the FBI's criminal history database, directing officers to resubmit fingerprint screenings for pending applications filed before April 27. The affected categories include Green Cards, citizenship, removal of conditions on residence, family-based sponsorship, affirmative asylum, and advanced parole applications. Officers are instructed not to approve any pending cases that have not undergone the updated vetting process.

USCIS officers must now re-submit biometric data for cases where FBI information was obtained prior to April 27, unless the application is intended for denial. The directive, issued under executive guidance, requires the Justice Department to provide USCIS access to federal criminal records 'to the maximum extent permitted by law.' The agency says the move strengthens national security by improving the identification of individuals with criminal histories.

A USCIS spokesperson, Zach Kahler, confirmed the new checks are being applied across immigrant benefit applications but emphasized that processing continues and any delays should be brief. Non-immigrant visa programs, including H-1B, are not affected. Applicants in the impacted categories may experience short-term delays as the updated protocol is rolled out.

The agency stated it will prioritize public safety while maintaining timely adjudications. USCIS is expected to resume normal processing timelines shortly, with ongoing updates to internal procedures to reflect the expanded data access. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.