USCIS Enhanced Background Checks 2026: Impact on Green Card Applications
by Hasan Alaz, Esq., Founding Attorney
USCIS Enhanced Background Checks 2026: Impact on Green Card Applications
If you have a pending green card or naturalization application, you may have noticed a sudden halt in your case's progress. Your paperwork is correct, and you have attended your biometrics appointment, but your case status remains unchanged. This delay is likely due to a significant policy shift implemented by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in late April 2026.
On April 27, 2026, USCIS began receiving enhanced Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) from the FBI for all fingerprint-based background checks. This new vetting process has led to a temporary pause in adjudications and is expected to cause processing delays across multiple immigration categories.
This comprehensive guide explains what the enhanced background checks entail, which applications are affected, and what you should do if your case is delayed.
What Are the Enhanced Background Checks?
USCIS has always utilized FBI databases to screen immigration applicants. However, following an executive order signed by President Trump in February 2026, the FBI granted USCIS expanded access to its criminal history database, known as the Next Generation Identification system.
Starting April 27, 2026, all fingerprint-based applications generate an Enhanced Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check. This enhanced check draws on a broader and more detailed set of federal criminal data than 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," signaling a sweeping expansion of security screening.
Which Applications Are Affected?
The enhanced security checks apply to any immigration benefit request that requires fingerprinting (biometrics). This includes, but is not limited to:
- Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Green Card)
- Form N-400: Application for Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)
- Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (Work Permit)
- Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
- Form I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
If you submitted fingerprints as part of your pending case, your file falls within the scope of this new policy.
What Is Happening to Pending Cases?
The most significant impact of this policy change is on cases that were already pending before April 27, 2026. Internal USCIS guidance directed officers to take two specific actions:
- Resubmit Fingerprint Checks: For any pending case where fingerprint-based background checks were submitted to the FBI prior to April 27, 2026, USCIS officers must re-run the checks through the expanded database.
- Hold Approvals: Officers are instructed not to approve any case until the enhanced screening is complete and the new CHRI results are reviewed.
This means that even if your case was ready for approval, it is now subject to a reprocessing pause. USCIS has stated that these delays should be brief, but the sheer volume of pending cases means that processing times will inevitably increase in the short term.
What This Means for Applicants
It is crucial to understand that a delay in your case does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your application or your background. The enhanced checks are a system-wide update applied to all pending fingerprint-based cases, not a targeted investigation of specific individuals.
However, with greater access to detailed criminal history data, USCIS may issue more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) if the expanded database reveals previously undisclosed or undiscovered information.
What You Should Do Now
- Monitor Your Case Status: Check your case status regularly on the official USCIS website. If your case shows as "pending" or "actively being processed" without movement since late April, the enhanced background checks are the likely cause.
- Respond Promptly to Notices: USCIS may use this period to request additional evidence or schedule interviews. Ensure your contact information is up to date and respond to any notices immediately.
- Consult an Attorney if You Have a Criminal History: If you have any prior arrests, citations, or criminal history—even minor or expunged offenses—it is critical to consult with an immigration attorney. The expanded database may reveal information that requires a legal strategy to address.
Navigate the Delays with Confidence
The implementation of enhanced background checks in 2026 adds another layer of complexity and potential delay to the U.S. immigration process. While frustrating, understanding the reason behind the pause can help you manage expectations and prepare for any potential requests from USCIS.
At Alaz Law, we closely monitor policy changes and their impact on our clients' cases. If your green card or naturalization application is delayed, or if you have concerns about how your background may be viewed under the new enhanced screening, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your immigration journey remains on track.