2026 brings major changes to immigration law. USCIS rolled out enhanced security screening on April 27, 2026, creating serious delays for green card, naturalization, and asylum cases. Add in new asylum fees from H.R. 1 starting May 29, 2026 and an aggressive push to strip citizenship from naturalized Americans — and you’ve got a perfect storm. Immigration applicants across the country need legal help now.
What Enhanced USCIS Security Screening Means
Starting April 27, USCIS connected to the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) database for enhanced security checks. Every fingerprint background check now pulls much more detailed criminal record information. If your case involves fingerprints, this affects you.
Here’s the kicker: USCIS is pausing cases where fingerprints were already collected before April 27 to re-vet them under the new system. Expect more Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny because USCIS now sees criminal history details they missed before. Even minor issues that flew under the radar could become problems.
Meanwhile, DHS implemented new asylum fees under H.R. 1 effective May 29, 2026, including an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). Failure to pay the AAF within 30 days results in rejection of asylum applications, and USCIS will initiate removal proceedings for those without legal status while immediately revoking work authorization.
How This Affects Immigration Applicants
The most affected applications include Adjustment of Status (Green Card) applications (Form I-485), Naturalization applications (Form N-400), and Asylum applications (Form I-589). These enhanced measures are expected to add weeks or months to processing times for affected applications.
Adding to the uncertainty, the DOJ launched a historic denaturalization effort targeting 384 naturalized Americans for citizenship revocation in the first wave of litigation. The administration wants to denaturalize 100 to 200 people per month in 2026, representing a massive escalation from an average of 11 denaturalization cases per year between 1990 and 2017.
USCIS lifted adjudication holds for foreign physicians in early May 2026, allowing thousands of delayed medical professional cases to move forward, though they remain subject to the same expanded background checks.
What You Should Do Now
Monitor Your Case Status: Affected applicants should monitor their case status for movement, such as new notices, interview scheduling, or adjudicative action. USCIS officers are charged with re-submitting fingerprints already on file; no action should be required on the part of the applicant.
Prepare for Extended Timelines: Employment-based green card applicants should anticipate longer adjudication timelines, and cases nearing approval may experience last-minute delays. Employers should proactively monitor work authorization expiration dates and consider contingency planning.
Address Asylum Fee Requirements: If you have a pending asylum case, understand that USCIS will reject pending Form I-589 asylum applications for aliens who fail to pay the AAF effective May 29, 2026. Public comments on the interim rule are accepted until June 29, 2026.
Keep Documentation Current: Maintain valid work permits and other immigration documents, as work permits carry more weight in cases that would otherwise have been near approval, and applicants must keep documents valid while cases remain in review.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C.
At Tez Law P.C., we understand the complexities of navigating immigration law during these challenging times. With managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leading our experienced team, we provide comprehensive immigration services to clients nationwide.
Our West Covina-based firm has extensive experience handling complex immigration cases, from green card applications to naturalization proceedings. We stay current with rapidly evolving USCIS policies and procedures, ensuring our clients receive accurate guidance during these uncertain times.
Whether you’re facing delays due to enhanced security screening, need assistance with new asylum fee requirements, or have concerns about denaturalization proceedings, our team provides personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation. We also offer personal injury attorney services and comprehensive legal support for all your family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the enhanced USCIS security screening delays last?
While USCIS officials stated that delays “should be brief and resolved shortly,” no specific timeline has been provided. Given the scale of re-processing required and current processing backlogs, applicants should prepare for potential delays of weeks to months.
What happens if I can’t pay the new Annual Asylum Fee?
Failure to pay the AAF within 30 days of notification results in USCIS rejecting your asylum application. If you don’t have legal status, USCIS will initiate removal proceedings, and any work authorization based on your asylum application will be immediately revoked.
Am I at risk for denaturalization if I’m a naturalized citizen?
The current denaturalization campaign focuses on cases involving alleged fraud during the naturalization process, including concealed criminal records, false identities, or sham marriages. If you obtained citizenship lawfully and honestly, you should not be at risk, but it’s wise to maintain documentation of your immigration history.
The 2026 immigration landscape presents unprecedented challenges requiring experienced legal guidance. Don’t navigate these complex changes alone. Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss how these developments affect your specific immigration case and develop a strategic approach to protect your status and achieve your immigration goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.