U.S. introduces enhanced checks for immigration applicants

The administration of Donald Trump has introduced additional screening measures for immigration applicants, according to internal guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Photo: Keith Bedford / Reuters

Under the new instructions, officers have been told not to approve applications that have not undergone the updated background checks, Reuters reported.

Starting April 27, 2026, USCIS began receiving expanded criminal history information for fingerprint-based background checks through systems operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The measures apply to applications requiring biometric data, including those for permanent residency (Green Cards) and U.S. citizenship.

USCIS has also instructed officers to resubmit fingerprints for pending cases if the previous checks were conducted before the new rules took effect.

In a statement, the agency said the changes are aimed at strengthening vetting procedures by expanding access to federal databases, adding that any processing delays are expected to be temporary.