Thousands of cases put on hold as background checks intensify

U.S. immigration policy entered a stricter phase in May 2026, causing delays and uncertainty for thousands of applicants. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a temporary pause in the processing of key benefits such as permanent residency (Green Card), work permits, and renewals for programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The measure primarily affects applicants who were already in the final stages of their cases. Many applications have been halted for additional screening in federal databases, leading to delays without a clear timeline for resolution.

Cases sent back for review as wait times increase

Applications that were close to approval have now been pushed back into verification stages. This can result in additional document requests, repeated checks, and even months of extra waiting. Immigration attorneys warn that decisions that were once made promptly may now take up to four months or longer.

The tighter measures stem from expanded background checks, including more frequent reviews between biometric data collection and final interviews, adding new layers of scrutiny to a system already considered rigorous.

New rules also affect visas and asylum applications

At the same time, the government has introduced changes for temporary visa applicants. They must now declare that they do not fear persecution in their country of origin, a measure aimed at limiting asylum claims once inside the United States.

Additionally, border controls have been strengthened with mandatory facial biometric registration for all foreign nationals. These provisions also affect asylum seekers, who now face stricter deadlines under new rules that make it easier to deny applications if requirements are not fully met.

National security vs. immigration uncertainty

Authorities argue that these changes are intended to strengthen national security, improve the accuracy of application reviews, and reinforce immigration control. However, for those relying on these processes, the new landscape means more obstacles, longer wait times, and an increasingly uncertain immigration future.