Trump Administration Implements Enhanced FBI Vetting and Visa Restrictions

The Trump administration has launched a series of restrictive immigration measures aimed at increasing security vetting and preventing asylum system abuse. Starting April 27, 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandated enhanced criminal history record information checks for all fingerprint-based applications, including green cards, asylum, naturalization, and sponsorship petitions. This move, stemming from a February executive order by President Donald Trump, requires the use of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Next Generation Identification system.

USCIS officers must now resubmit fingerprints for any cases processed before the policy start date and withhold approvals for pending cases until this expanded vetting is complete. These requirements contribute to a record backlog of 11.6 million pending cases. The broader vetting overhaul also includes social media screenings for anti-American views and Operation PARRIS, which requires re-interviews for refugees and asylum seekers.

Simultaneously, on April 29, the U.S. Department of State issued a directive signed by Secretary Marco Rubio requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants to affirm they do not fear persecution in their home countries. Any applicant admitting to harm or fear of mistreatment will face immediate visa denial. These combined actions follow a broader pattern of restrictions, including the suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.