Expanded Security Vetting by USCIS Likely to Cause Delay in Certain Immigration Adjudications
On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed to media outlets that it has implemented a new security vetting process for enhanced background checks. While not announced formally by the USCIS, the new security vetting process went into effect on April 27th following the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to grant the USCIS expanded access to federal criminal databases. The enhanced background checks apply to benefits applications requiring fingerprint submission, including employment authorization cards (EADs), advance parole, adjustment of status (green card), naturalization (citizenship), and asylum.
Under the new security vetting process, the USCIS has directed officers to resubmit fingerprints for all pending applications where biometrics were originally provided before April 27, 2026. The USCIS will prioritize these resubmissions and will not begin processing fingerprints for new applications until this backlog has been cleared.
The resubmission of fingerprints for the enhanced background checks will be conducted by the USCIS, and should not require applicants to submit new fingerprints. If applicants do receive a second biometrics notice, they should appear at the scheduled appointment.
What This Means for Our Clients
Although the USCIS stated to the media that any delays in issuing decisions “should be brief and resolved shortly,” the need to resubmit fingerprints for enhanced background checks across a large volume of pending applications will likely cause significant processing delays. Employees with pending EAD renewal applications should closely monitor the expiration dates of their current EADs, as these processing delays could impact their work authorization.