Immigration enforcement hit new heights in 2026. The changes are real and they’re happening now. Starting April 27, 2026, USCIS began requiring enhanced FBI background checks for many immigration applications, including green cards, naturalization, and family-based petitions. At the same time, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that Somalia no longer meets the conditions for its designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with Somalia’s TPS designation and related benefits slated to terminate on March 17, 2026. Facing immigration delays, denaturalization worries, or TPS termination? You need to act fast. Protect your rights — we handle the rest.
What USCIS Enhanced Background Checks and TPS Terminations Mean
Following an executive order signed by President Trump in February 2026, the FBI granted USCIS expanded access to its criminal history database — formally known as the Next Generation Identification system. Starting April 27, all fingerprint-based applications now generate an Enhanced Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check, which draws on a broader set of federal criminal data than what USCIS could previously access.
The result? Processing delays across the board. Internal USCIS guidance directed officers to resubmit fingerprint-based screenings for any pending case where FBI data was received before April 27, 2026, and hold approval on any case that has not yet completed the enhanced screening. In other words: if your case was sitting in the queue with completed background checks, those checks may now be considered incomplete under the new standard, and your file is being reprocessed through the expanded FBI system before an officer can approve it.
Meanwhile, TPS terminations have created chaos for hundreds of thousands of protected immigrants. Honduras no longer met the conditions for its designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with Honduras’s TPS designation and related benefits terminated on Sept. 8, 2025. As of 2026, many TPS holders face an urgent need to explore other legal status options to remain in the U.S.
How This Affects Immigration Applicants and TPS Recipients
The enhanced background checks are causing widespread delays across multiple case types. Immigration benefit applications for which fingerprints were collected and background checks submitted to the FBI before April 27, 2026 will be paused in order for USCIS officers to re-submit the applicant fingerprints on file to the new vetting system. Pending adjustment of status, naturalization and asylum applications are among the most common case types likely to be affected.
For TPS recipients, the situation is even more critical. Honduras: TPS for Honduras ended on September 8, 2025. Nepal: TPS for Nepal ended on August 20, 2025. Nicaragua: TPS for Nicaragua ended on September 8, 2025. While some terminations are being challenged in court, the uncertainty leaves thousands without clear protection from removal.
The enhanced scrutiny extends beyond processing delays. USCIS announced that USCIS and the Department of Justice are taking steps to denaturalize 12 individuals accused of concealing issues such as terrorist support, war crimes, espionage, sexual abuse, and other serious conduct during the naturalization process. Internal USCIS guidance issued in December 2025 directed field offices to refer 100 to 200 denaturalization cases per month to the Justice Dept for fiscal year 2026. The new directive instructs USCIS to refer 100 to 200 cases per month to the Justice Department in fiscal year 2026, potentially reaching up to 2,400 cases annually.
What You Should Do Now
If you have a pending immigration case, take these immediate steps:
- Monitor your case status: Check your case status on the USCIS Case Status tool. If your case shows as “pending” or “actively being processed” without movement over the past few weeks, this policy change is a likely explanation.
- Don’t ignore delays: Do not, however, ignore prolonged inactivity. USCIS has also been using this period of heightened scrutiny to request additional evidence (RFEs) and schedule or reschedule interviews. Missing a notice could have serious consequences.
- Address criminal history concerns: If your case involves any prior criminal history — even minor or old offenses: Do not wait. The expanded FBI database access means USCIS may now be seeing information it did not previously have access to. An immigration attorney can review your background and help you understand whether the enhanced checks create any risk for your case before USCIS reaches a decision.
For TPS recipients facing termination, explore alternative protection immediately. This may include adjustment of status through family or employment, asylum applications, or other forms of relief. The window to secure alternative status is rapidly closing.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C.
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) has extensive experience navigating complex immigration enforcement challenges. Our West Covina office serves clients nationwide, providing aggressive representation during this unprecedented period of immigration enforcement.
We understand that enhanced background checks and TPS terminations create urgent, life-changing situations. Our immigration services include comprehensive case strategy, RFE responses, denaturalization defense, and alternative status applications. We also handle personal injury attorney cases for clients who need comprehensive legal support.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully defended clients against removal proceedings, secured approvals despite complex criminal histories, and helped TPS recipients transition to permanent status. When your future in America is at stake, experience matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the enhanced background check delays last?
USCIS has stated publicly that any delays “should be brief and resolved shortly.” Whether that proves accurate remains to be seen — but applicants should understand that a processing pause right now does not mean something is wrong with their case. However, cases with complex backgrounds or criminal history may face extended delays requiring legal intervention.
Can I apply for other immigration benefits if my TPS was terminated?
Yes, TPS termination doesn’t automatically disqualify you from other immigration benefits. You may be eligible for adjustment of status through family or employment, asylum, or other forms of relief. However, timing is critical, and you should consult with an immigration attorney immediately to explore your options before your current protection expires.
What should I do if I receive a denaturalization notice?
Civil denaturalization cases typically take years to resolve due to constitutional protections and demanding legal standards. The government must persuade a federal judge that citizenship was obtained illegally or through willful misrepresentation, not just through a minor error or omission. These due process protections remain in place regardless of how many cases USCIS refers to the Justice Department. Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately to begin building your defense.
The convergence of enhanced background checks, TPS terminations, and aggressive denaturalization efforts represents the most challenging immigration enforcement environment in decades. Don’t face these challenges alone. Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your immigration status and future in the United States.
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.