Many immigration applicants may soon experience additional delays in their pending cases as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) appears to be implementing a new security vetting process.
According to a recent AILA Practice Alert dated April 28, 2026, immigration attorneys began reporting on April 27, 2026, that USCIS field offices and asylum offices across the country were notifying applicants and attorneys that certain adjudications were being placed on hold. Early reports suggest that adjustment of status and asylum cases are being affected, although the hold may apply more broadly to other USCIS benefit applications as well.
What Is Causing the USCIS Hold?
AILA reports that the hold appears to be connected to a new security vetting process that took effect on April 27, 2026. While USCIS has not yet issued a formal public announcement about the reported hold, AILA indicates that credible sources have advised that the new process may require fingerprints to be resubmitted for many pending cases.
This could include cases where applicants previously completed biometrics and FBI fingerprint checks before April 27, 2026. Once the updated vetting process is completed for those pending cases, newly filed cases may then move forward through the updated fingerprint check process.
Which Immigration Cases May Be Affected?
At this time, reports indicate that the hold may be affecting:
- Adjustment of Status applications
- Asylum cases
- Possibly other USCIS benefit applications
There may be limited exceptions, including certain naturalization applicants who already have scheduled oath ceremonies, but this remains unclear.
What This Means for Applicants
Applicants should be prepared for possible delays in case decisions, even if interviews have already taken place or biometrics were previously completed. A case that appeared ready for approval may now require additional vetting before USCIS can issue a final decision.
At this stage, it is not yet clear how long the new process will take, how many cases will be affected, or whether USCIS will issue new biometrics notices to applicants whose fingerprints must be updated.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
Applicants with pending USCIS cases should carefully monitor all USCIS notices, online case status updates, and mail from USCIS. If a new biometrics appointment notice is issued, it is important to attend the appointment as scheduled.
Applicants should also avoid making travel or employment decisions based only on expected USCIS processing timelines, as delays may become more common while this new vetting process is being implemented.
NPZ Law Group Will Continue to Monitor Developments
The immigration law arena continues to change quickly, and this reported USCIS adjudication hold may create uncertainty for many applicants and families. NPZ Law Group will continue to monitor USCIS updates, AILA alerts, and agency guidance as more information becomes available.
Individuals with pending immigration cases who are concerned about delays, biometrics, adjustment of status, asylum, work authorization, or other immigration benefits should speak with experienced immigration counsel to understand how these developments may affect their specific matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USCIS officially stopping all case decisions?
Not necessarily. The current reports suggest that many adjudications may be placed on hold due to updated security vetting, but USCIS has not yet issued a full public announcement explaining the scope of the hold.
Will I need to redo my fingerprints?
Possibly. AILA reports that many pending cases with fingerprints submitted before April 27, 2026, may require updated fingerprint checks.
Does this affect green card applications?
Adjustment of Status cases appear to be among the case types affected, but the full scope is still unclear.
How long will the delay last?
At this time, there is no confirmed timeline. Delays may vary depending on the case type, office, and the completion of updated security checks.
Should I contact USCIS right away?
Applicants should first monitor their USCIS online account, case status, and mail. If a case has been delayed significantly or a new notice is received, it may be helpful to consult with immigration counsel.
Contact Information If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information. Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C. – VISASERVE.