Your immigration case just got more complicated. USCIS launched enhanced FBI security vetting on April 27, 2026, and new H.R. 1 asylum fees are creating serious processing delays across the board. We’re seeing this hit thousands of cases — green cards, naturalization, asylum applications, you name it. Got a pending case? These changes could mean costly delays or denials if you don’t act fast.
What These Enhanced Screening Changes Mean
USCIS switched to an upgraded FBI vetting platform on April 27, 2026 — they’re calling it stronger national security screening. Here’s the kicker: if your fingerprints were collected and sent to the FBI before April 27, 2026, officers have to pull them from the old system and resubmit everything under the new protocol. Yes, that means starting over.
The enhanced vetting includes several key components:
- Shortening validity periods for certain Employment Authorization Documents to require more frequent security checks
- Updating photograph reuse policies to strengthen identity verification, including biometric identity verification
- Increasing social media and financial vetting and community interviews
- Launching Operation PARRIS to conduct additional background checks, re-interviews, and merit reviews of refugee claims
Meanwhile, H.R. 1 has implemented new requirements including a filing fee for Form I-589 that USCIS will now keep if the agency rejects the form as improperly filed. USCIS will reject pending Form I-589 asylum applications for individuals who fail to pay the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) effective May 29, 2026.
How This Affects Immigration Applicants and Their Families
These changes are creating significant delays across multiple immigration categories:
Green Card Applicants: Employees with pending adjustment of status may see their green card approvals delayed. If you are working in the U.S. on H-1B, L-1, or O-1 status and have a pending I-485, your adjudication may be paused for re-vetting.
Naturalization Applicants: Pending naturalization cases may face short delays before the oath ceremony can be scheduled. Naturalization applications requiring fingerprints are most likely to be affected.
Asylum Seekers: Asylum applicants could experience slower decision-making. If an individual does not pay the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) within 30 days of notification, USCIS will reject their pending asylum application.
Nationals from 39 Countries: Presidential Proclamations have restricted entry from 39 countries lacking adequate screening and vetting information. This means that there are now 39 countries whose nationals are currently unable to obtain immigration status and come here from abroad, or obtain or change their immigration status from within the U.S.
What You Should Do Now
Don’t wait for these delays to affect your case. Take these critical steps immediately:
Monitor Your Case Status: No new action is required from applicants as USCIS is handling the re-submission internally, but applicants do not need to submit new fingerprints or contact USCIS about this issue. However, check your case status regularly for updates.
Maintain Valid Documents: Work authorization (EAD) and advance parole that are still valid remain unaffected for now. Applicants with pending matters must keep those documents valid and renew them promptly if expiration dates approach while the case remains in review.
Pay Required Fees Promptly: If you receive a notice to pay the Annual Asylum Fee, you should pay this fee within 30 days as failure to pay may negatively affect your application, including delaying processing.
Avoid International Travel: Travel and work plans should be reviewed carefully, especially if relying on pending applications for status maintenance. If you are currently in the U.S. on a valid visa from a banned country, do not leave.
Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney: If you’re unsure how these changes affect your case, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can help ensure your forms are completed correctly and that you’re meeting all deadlines and fee requirements.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C.
At Tez Law P.C., we understand the urgency and complexity of these new immigration requirements. JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) and our experienced legal team have been closely monitoring these policy changes to protect our clients’ interests.
We offer comprehensive immigration services throughout the United States, including:
- Emergency case reviews for USCIS processing delays
- H.R. 1 fee compliance assistance
- Enhanced vetting preparation and strategy
- Travel ban waiver applications
- Adjustment of status and naturalization guidance
Our nationwide practice means we can assist you regardless of your location. We also handle personal injury cases if you need comprehensive legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit new fingerprints for the enhanced vetting?
No. USCIS officers are directed to resubmit fingerprints already on file for cases where the prior FBI screening was completed before April 27, 2026. Applicants do not need to take action on the resubmission.
What happens if I don’t pay the Annual Asylum Fee?
USCIS will reject pending Form I-589 asylum applications for individuals who fail to pay the AAF effective May 29, 2026. Additionally, USCIS will deny any pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on the asylum application.
How long will these processing delays last?
A USCIS spokesperson said the delays “should be brief and resolved shortly” but did not attach a timetable, and the agency’s average processing is already 46% longer overall. Until the agency provides clearer timelines, applicants and employers should plan for possible short-to-medium term delays.
The combination of USCIS enhanced screening measures and H.R. 1 asylum fee requirements represents the most significant change to immigration processing in years. These policies are causing substantial delays and creating new compliance requirements that could jeopardize your case if not handled properly. Don’t let bureaucratic delays derail your American dream – contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation and ensure your immigration case receives the expert attention it deserves.
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.