Immigration Law
Your immigration case didn't change. Your paperwork is correct. But suddenly, your case isn't moving — and you have no idea why.
If you have a pending green card or naturalization application, there's a strong chance the latest USCIS policy change is behind the slowdown. On April 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implemented what it calls "enhanced" background checks for all fingerprint-based immigration applications. Here's what that actually means for you.
USCIS has always used FBI databases to screen immigration applicants. That's not new.
What changed is the depth of that access. Following an executive order signed by President Trump in February 2026, the FBI granted USCIS expanded access to its criminal history database — formally known as the Next Generation Identification system. Starting April 27, all fingerprint-based applications now generate an Enhanced Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check, which draws on a broader set of federal criminal data than what USCIS could previously access.
The executive order directed the Justice Department to provide USCIS access to this database "to the maximum extent permitted by law." That language is important — it signals that this expansion was as broad as legally possible, not a narrow, targeted update.
The enhanced checks apply to any application that requires fingerprinting. That includes:
If you submitted fingerprints as part of your case — which most applicants do — your file falls within the scope of this new policy.
This is where the practical impact becomes clear. Internal USCIS guidance — first reported by CBS News — directed officers to do two things:
In other words: if your case was sitting in the queue with completed background checks, those checks may now be considered incomplete under the new standard, and your file is being reprocessed through the expanded FBI system before an officer can approve it.
USCIS has stated publicly that any delays "should be brief and resolved shortly." Whether that proves accurate remains to be seen — but applicants should understand that a processing pause right now does not mean something is wrong with their case.
A hold on your case is not the same as a red flag on your record.
This is the most important thing I want you to take away from this article. The enhanced checks are a sweeping, system-wide change applied to every pending fingerprint-based case — not a targeted investigation of specific applicants. If your case is delayed right now, it is almost certainly because of the reprocessing workload, not because something in your background triggered a concern.
That said, if your case was already facing complications — prior arrests, immigration violations, or other issues — now is the time to speak with an attorney before USCIS finishes its review.
This change doesn't exist in isolation. Since January 2025, USCIS has introduced multiple layers of additional scrutiny across the immigration system:
The enhanced background checks are the latest addition to this list. For applicants navigating an already complex process, each of these changes adds friction, uncertainty, and time.
If you have a pending green card or naturalization case:
Check your case status on the USCIS Case Status tool. If your case shows as "pending" or "actively being processed" without movement over the past few weeks, this policy change is a likely explanation.
Do not, however, ignore prolonged inactivity. USCIS has also been using this period of heightened scrutiny to request additional evidence (RFEs) and schedule or reschedule interviews. Missing a notice could have serious consequences.
If your case involves any prior criminal history — even minor or old offenses:
Do not wait. The expanded FBI database access means USCIS may now be seeing information it did not previously have access to. An immigration attorney can review your background and help you understand whether the enhanced checks create any risk for your case before USCIS reaches a decision.
If you are a national of one of the 39 travel ban countries:
Your situation is more complex. The asylum pause and immigration freeze that apply to your home country interact with these enhanced checks in ways that can significantly affect your timeline and options. I strongly recommend getting legal counsel before taking any action.
The April 27 USCIS policy change will slow down processing for tens of thousands of pending cases. For most applicants with clean backgrounds, the impact will be temporary. For others — particularly those with complex histories or those from travel-ban countries — the stakes are higher.
If your case is affected and you want to understand what comes next, I'm here to help. Contact SG Legal Group to schedule a consultation and get a clear picture of where your case stands.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
Oleg Gherasimov, Esq.
Stay informed with our latest articles and resources.
