Adjudicative Delays Caused By USCIS’s Enhanced Security Screening

This week, USCIS began implementing a new security vetting process which will likely cause widespread delays in adjudication. Though USCIS has not made an official announcement, this update comes from a February 2026 Executive Order which requires immigration authorities to have access to criminal history record information “to the maximum extent permitted by law.” Thus, immigration authorities have started resubmitting fingerprints for enhanced FBI background checks. There have been reported adjudicative delays in pending adjustment of status, asylum, and naturalization cases. It is expected that any case for which fingerprinting is required will be subject to this new vetting process. It is unclear how long this will delay adjudications, but the roll-out period will certainly cause delays as all relevant pending cases are re-screened.

This is a part of the Administration’s concerted effort to increase USCIS’s vetting, particularly of applicants for immigration benefits (i.e., those seeking permanent residence in the United States). If you have questions or concerns about how this may impact your case, please contact our office today (Jennifer West, jwest@rothjackson.com).

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.