The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has begun implementing enhanced security checks for immigration applicants, following new internal guidance issued under the administration of Donald Trump.
Under the policy, officers are directed not to approve pending applications that have not undergone expanded background checks, including additional criminal history record information from federal databases.
The changes apply to fingerprint-based applications such as green cards and naturalization, with some pending cases requiring resubmission of biometric data.
The move follows an executive order mandating broader access to criminal records held by federal agencies, as part of efforts to strengthen immigration vetting.
Officials said the enhanced screening is aimed at improving national security and ensuring thorough background checks.
However, critics, including human rights and civil society groups, warned that the policy could lead to delays and raise concerns over due process and the treatment of immigrant communities.
USCIS said any delays in processing are expected to be temporary as the new system is implemented.
