dailyloe.com – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented a stricter review system impacting multiple immigration processes. This policy was driven during the administration of Donald Trump. It establishes more exhaustive immigration controls to protect national security.
USCIS reported it applies administrative holds or temporary pauses while conducting additional verifications. These holds do not imply an automatic rejection. However, they extend response times for applicants.
Applicants are left in a waiting situation with no defined deadlines for case resolution. The delays primarily impact people from 39 countries on a high-risk list. Latin American nations like Cuba and Venezuela are included.
In these cases, files can be immobilized for prolonged periods. Authorities cited difficulties verifying identities or backgrounds in those countries. The agency is committed to immigration system integrity and public safety.
“USCIS is committed to the integrity of the immigration system, national security, and public safety,” the agency stated in a communication. “Our highest priority is ensuring all applicants for immigration benefits are properly investigated.”
This particularly applies to those from identified high-risk countries. Under these new verification and security rules, applicants remain within the system. Yet they lack immediate definitions about their status.
The pause is due to implementing an extreme scrutiny model. It aims to detect fraud or national security risks. Additional interviews have been introduced, including community instances and refugee re-interviews.
These practices are part of internal programs aimed at detecting inconsistencies. One of the most visible changes is the reduction in work permit duration. This means applicants must undergo security reviews more frequently.
Before issuing a final decision, the agency conducts a complete background check. This includes arrest records and consular database consultations. Cases can be re-examined even after approval if new elements arise.[]
Source: La Nación
