New FBI investigation by USCIS for green cards: Who will be affected?

Green card applications will now receive stronger FBI background checks.

Checking FBI databases to check immigration applications is nothing new, but now with the introduction of new enhanced security checks, USCIS has greater access to the FBI’s criminal history database. CBS News reported that the administration has asked some cases to be put on hold as the new changes are being implemented. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services distributed internal guidance to its officials directing them to resubmit pending applications for immigration benefits, including asylum, green cards and U.S. citizenship, to increase FBI background checks.Officials were directed to avoid giving approval to any pending cases that have not undergone detailed background check.The order directed the Justice Department, which oversees the FBI, to provide USCIS access to its criminal history database “to the maximum extent permitted by law” to identify criminal actors.If FBI information about related cases was received before April 27, USCIS officers were instructed to resubmit fingerprint-based screening. Officials were told that re-submission is not necessary if they intend to reject an application.USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler told CBS that the agency has “implemented new security checks to strengthen vetting and screening of applicants through expanded access to federal criminal databases.”Kahler said, “The process is ongoing as we implement these enhanced background check requirements. Any delays in issuing a decision should be brief and resolved quickly.” “USCIS will always prioritize the safety of the American people.”

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Who will be affected by the new measure?

Those with cases pending as of April 27 may face this new scrutiny but USCIS said the delay should be short. H-1B visas do not fall under this because it is for immigrants, while H-1B and other job visas are non-immigrant visas.List of services potentially affected