Migration policy in the United States is becoming increasingly stringent. New decisions adopted by President Donald Trump's administration are aimed at significantly strengthening control over migrants. Starting April 27, USCIS — the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — has elevated vetting processes to a new level.
USCIS officers now have expanded access to FBI databases, conducting more in-depth background checks during application reviews. According to the new regulations, no application will be approved until full information regarding criminal convictions or arrests is obtained. This applies to nearly all applications where fingerprinting is required.
These changes will impact several key areas. Specifically, applications for Green Cards (adjustment of status), citizenship (naturalization), family reunification (relatives, spouses), as well as other types of visas and asylum, will be scrutinized more rigorously.
Under the new system, fingerprints are automatically sent to the FBI database, and the applicant's criminal history is fully vetted. If the vetting process is not completed, the decision-making timeframe will be extended. This may cause unexpected delays for many applicants.
Furthermore, control measures are being expanded even further. Applicants will now be studied more deeply through social media activity, financial status, place of residence, and even re-interviews. Particular attention will be paid to individuals coming from countries categorized as "high risk."
USCIS officials, acknowledging that previous checks were not sufficiently rigorous, emphasize that the new measures will serve to strengthen national security. In their view, these changes are aimed at preventing individuals who may pose a threat to the United States from obtaining legal status in the country.
In short, migration policy in the U.S. is being placed under even tighter control. This means increased requirements for applicants, longer vetting periods, and a more complex process overall.
