USCIS Expands Vetting and Screening Across Immigration Applications

This initiative is designed to strengthen national security, public safety, and fraud prevention by conducting enhanced background checks, identifying identity inconsistencies, detecting fraudulent documents, and assessing potential security risks earlier and more consistently. USCIS stated that the new center will support officers nationwide, improve coordination with other federal agencies, and use advanced data analysis tools to flag concerns throughout the adjudication process.

The enhanced vetting may apply to a wide range of immigration filings, including family-based petitions (Form I-130), employment-based petitions (Form I-140), work authorization applications, adjustment of status applications (Form I-485), and naturalization applications (Form N-400). Screening may occur at multiple stages of a case, including after filing or even post-approval if new information becomes available. As a result, some applicants and employers may experience longer processing times, additional Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or further identity and background verification. USCIS emphasized that not all cases will be affected and that deeper review will be limited to applications presenting potential security or fraud concerns.

Refer to the links for more information U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Establishes New Center to Strengthen Immigration Screening and Target Bad Actors | USCIS & USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S. | USCIS

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