¿Is your USCIS case delayed?

May 13
4 min read

If you have noticed that your immigration case is not moving forward or has remained 'frozen' in recent weeks, there is an official reason for this. Since late April 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received orders to conduct more thorough background checks on immigrants.

To do so, Immigration now has greater access to U.S. federal police databases. This new connection between USCIS and FBI files means that officials must slow down the approval of many cases until they ensure that applicants do not have hidden criminal records.

We know that delays cause much distress. That is why, here we explain in an easy-to-understand way what is happening, which procedures it affects, and why the government made this decision.

¿Why is USCIS reviewing FBI files?

In February of this year, President Donald Trump’s administration signed an executive order (a direct rule from the president). The goal of this order is to prevent individuals with a criminal history or who represent a danger from obtaining immigration benefits.

USCIS has always reviewed backgrounds, but now the FBI has given them much broader and deeper access to its files. Starting April 29, USCIS workers were ordered not to approve any pending cases without first passing them through this new and rigorous security filter.

Other recent security measures have even been added, such as reviewing applicants' social media and putting a hold on asylums for citizens of 39 countries for national security reasons.

¿Which procedures does this new review affect?

This measure primarily affects the procedures in which you are asked to go to an appointment to have your fingerprints taken (biometric data). If you are waiting for a response from any of the following processes, it is very likely that your case will go through this new review:

Permanent Residence (Green Card).
Work Permits (Employment Authorization).
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
TPS (Temporary Protected Status).
Citizenship (Naturalization).
Family Petitions.
Political Asylum.

¿Does it affect new cases or old cases?

To both. According to legal experts, USCIS has begun reviewing for a second time cases that were already advanced or pending a decision. Once they finish reviewing those older cases with the new FBI system, they will begin applying this rule to more recent applications.

¿How long will my case be delayed?

What the Government says: A USCIS spokesperson (representative) stated that any delay in decisions should be brief and that cases will be resolved soon.
What the Attorneys say: Immigration attorneys are concerned, especially for people who need their Work Permit or to renew their DACA and TPS. If the process is delayed for too long, these documents could expire, leaving people at risk of losing their jobs or their protection against deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. ¿Will my case be denied because of this FBI review?

If you are an honest person who has never committed crimes nor has problems with the police, you have nothing to worry about. This review is to look for criminal records. Your case will not be denied just because of the review; it will simply take a little more time to be approved.

2. My work permit is about to expire, ¿what should I do?

Due to these newly announced delays, the general recommendation is to send your renewal applications as far in advance as the law allows. Do not wait until the last month. Talk to your lawyer to send your papers as soon as possible.

3. ¿What happens if I have a traffic ticket or a misdemeanor?

It depends on the type of offense. A simple speeding ticket generally does not affect major procedures, but having criminal records (such as driving under the influence—DUI, theft, or violence) can be detected by the FBI and affect your case. If you were ever arrested, it is mandatory that you speak with an immigration lawyer before sending any form to USCIS.

¿Do you need a lawyer to help you get your papers in the United States?

At Inmigración Ok Abogados, we provide the help you need. We are a law firm with extensive experience in advising people like you to establish themselves legally in the country.

Our firm not only stands out for its professionalism and efficiency, but also offers payment plans so you don't feel like your dreams are out of reach due to financial barriers. The commitment of Inmigración Ok Abogados is with you, and our main goal is to ensure that you have the best legal representation for your case.

Let us be part of your journey toward a better and safer life in the United States. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process. And the best part is that the initial review of your case is completely free!

Don't wait any longer—take the first step toward your future in the United States. Message us now on WhatsApp at +1 (908) 585-4523 Our team looks forward to learning about your case and providing you with the guidance you deserve. We will review your case at no cost.