Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented significant changes to its security verification and biometric data collection processes. These updates may directly affect individuals with pending immigration applications or those planning to initiate an application.

Temporary suspension of some immigration decisions

As of April 27, 2026, USCIS has reportedly put many pending cases on hold. This situation primarily affects applications such as:

• adjustment of status
• Asylum
• Family requests
• Naturalization

This pause is due to the implementation of a new, stricter security verification process. As part of this change, USCIS now requires many people to resubmit their fingerprints, even if they have already submitted them previously.

This requirement applies especially to pending cases whose biometric data was submitted before April 27, 2026. Once this new review is completed, the case can continue its normal process.

Although USCIS has indicated that the delays should be brief, it is still unclear how long these additional checks will take.

Changes in biometrics policies

In addition, USCIS has made recent adjustments to its biometrics policies, which include fingerprints and photographs.

Among the most important changes, you should consider the following:

• USCIS may request biometrics from any person involved in an immigration process, including applicants, sponsors, and even U.S. citizens.
• In some cases, recent biometric data is no longer being reused, which means you could receive a new appointment even if you have already attended one previously.
• For certain forms, such as adjustment of status (I-485), naturalization (N-400), and others, new biometric data collection is now required, even if the previous data is recent.

Additional registration requirements

It is also important to know that there are current requirements related to the registration of foreigners (Alien Registration Requirement – ​​ARR). Under these regulations:

• Anyone over the age of 14 who stays in the United States for more than 30 days must register and provide fingerprints.
• Children under 14 years of age must be registered by their parents and must comply with fingerprinting upon reaching that age.

What does this mean for you?

These changes may result in:

• Delays in the approval of your case
• New appointments for biometrics
• Additional requests for information

Therefore, it is important that you:

• Carefully review any notification from USCIS
• Attend all scheduled appointments
• Consult a trusted legal provider if you have any questions about your case.

The new processes reflect increased security controls within the immigration system. While this may cause delays, it is also part of the current procedures that USCIS is implementing nationwide.

Staying informed and complying with all requirements will be key to avoiding complications in your immigration process.

If you need guidance on the naturalization process or have questions about exceptions, you can contact IACO Immigration and American Citizenship Organization for assistance. For more information, call us at 973-472-4648 or email us at info@iacoimmigration.org.