On April 27, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initiated a significant change affecting applicants and attorneys nationwide. Reports have surfaced that all adjudications, particularly adjustment of status and asylum cases, are currently subject to a hold. This situation could potentially extend to all USCIS adjudications, raising concerns among applicants and legal representatives alike.
What’s Behind the Hold?
Credible sources indicate that the hold is a result of a newly implemented security vetting process, which took effect on the same day. This new process mandates that fingerprints be resubmitted for nearly all pending cases, except, in most cases, for Naturalization applicants with scheduled oath ceremonies. If fingerprints were previously submitted for FBI checks before April 27, 2026, those cases will now undergo updated vetting.
Key Details:
- No New ASC Appointments Needed: AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) reports that, in most instances, new appointments for biometrics collection will not be necessary, as USCIS can utilize fingerprints already on file.
- Prioritization of Scheduled Interviews: It appears that scheduled interviews will proceed as planned, with those cases being prioritized for the new security checks.
- Reason for the Changes: This overhaul is part of the Administration’s broader review of “security and vetting” processes, especially following the National Guard shooting incident. The goal is to enhance security while managing adjudications effectively.
CBS News Insights
According to CBS News, the changes stem from the FBI granting USCIS “greater access to its criminal history database.” This adjustment aligns with Executive Order 12385, which mandates that federal criminal justice agencies provide DHS access to criminal history records to the fullest extent allowed by law. As a result, the “enhanced” checks will affect all pending applications requiring fingerprints, including adjustment of status, naturalization, and family sponsorship petitions.
USCIS has confirmed that the new security checks are in place, assuring the public that processing is “ongoing” and that any delays in decision issuance “should be brief and resolved shortly.” However, it’s essential to note that this is not a blanket hold but rather an individual hold on approvals for cases requiring fingerprint checks.
Potential Impact on Applicants
While the exact duration of the delay remains uncertain, unofficial estimates suggest that millions of cases could be affected. AILA advises practitioners to inform clients that delays could extend for months, particularly as USCIS conducts bulk reloads of background checks.
Practice Tip:
Given the expanded access to criminal history databases, attorneys should prepare for an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) related to:
- Criminal charges that did not result in convictions
- Juvenile records
- Sealed records
Conclusion
We are committed to monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available. For now, it’s crucial for applicants and their representatives to stay informed and be prepared for potential delays and changes in the adjudication process.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding your case, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate these changes.
Warmly,
Ral Obioha, Esq. LLM
Board Certified Attorney in Immigration and Nationality Law
Ral Obioha Law, PLLC
www.ralobiohalaw.com
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This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your individual circumstances.
