USCIS Reinstates Screening and Vetting Standards to Prioritize American Safety

On August 5, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 government announced new, tougher screening and vetting standards for immigrants and visa applicants. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) put these changes into effect right away, aiming to strengthen national security and protect Americans. These updates, guided by Executive Order 14161, mark the most significant tightening of immigration vetting in recent years.

What Has Changed and Who Is Affected?

USCIS issued new policy guidance on August 1, 2025, setting a clear, uniform baseline for screening and vetting standards. These rules now apply to all pending and new applications filed on or after that date. The main groups affected include asylees, refugees, and people applying for family-based immigrant visas. The Department of State also expanded vetting for student and exchange visitor visas, including F, M, and J categories, as of June 18, 2025.

Key Policy Changes Explained

Asylee and Refugee Adjustment of Status

People who received asylum or refugee status and want to become lawful permanent residents (get a green card) must now meet stricter interview requirements. USCIS will require interviews in cases where:

• The person’s identity cannot be confirmed through records or background checks.
• There are conflicting or multiple identities.
• Immigration records are missing or suggest possible fraud.
• FBI fingerprint checks show a record that could make the person inadmissible, or if fingerprints are unclear twice.
• There are national security or terrorism concerns, or the person is from or lived in a country that sponsors terrorism.

These new rules replace all previous guidance and are detailed in Volume 7 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Family-Based Immigrant Visa Petitions

For family-based petitions, USCIS clarified who is eligible, what documents are needed, and when interviews are required. The agency will now look more closely at marriages and family relationships to make sure they are real and not just for immigration benefits. If USCIS finds a petition is not valid, they may start removal (deportation) proceedings and issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) for those who are removable.

The new guidance also explains when cases are sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center and when U.S. citizens can file petitions directly from overseas, such as military personnel stationed abroad. These changes apply to all pending and new petitions as of August 1, 2025.

Expanded Vetting for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

The Department of State now requires more thorough checks for all F, M, and J visa applicants. This includes reviewing online and social media activity to spot possible security threats before a visa is issued. This expanded vetting is part of a larger effort by several government agencies to keep the United States 🇺🇸 safe.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

These updates follow Executive Order 14161, which is called “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” The order directs agencies to strengthen vetting and screening to prevent threats from entering the country. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a broader government push to improve security and restore public trust in the immigration system.

What Does This Mean for Applicants and Their Families?

For Applicants:

• More Scrutiny: Expect more questions, interviews, and requests for proof of identity, relationships, and eligibility.
• Longer Wait Times: More interviews and background checks may slow down processing, especially for family-based and humanitarian cases.
• Higher Burden of Proof: Applicants must provide clear, complete, and consistent records. Those with missing or conflicting information, or from countries of concern, are more likely to face delays or denials.

For Legal Representatives:

• Prepare for Interviews: Lawyers should help clients gather strong documentation and get ready for possible interviews.
• Watch for NTAs: If USCIS finds someone is not eligible, they may issue a Notice to Appear, starting removal proceedings.

For the Public:

• Increased Security: The goal is to reduce fraud and protect the country, but some worry about longer wait times and more denials.

Step-by-Step: How the New Process Works

For Asylee/Refugee Adjustment:

1. File Form I-485 with all required documents.
2. USCIS reviews the file and runs background and identity checks.
3. If the case meets the new interview criteria, USCIS schedules an in-person interview.
4. USCIS decides the case based on the interview and all evidence.

For Family-Based Petitions:

1. File Form I-130 with supporting evidence.
2. USCIS checks eligibility, documents, and looks for possible fraud.
3. If needed, USCIS schedules an interview for the applicant and petitioner.
4. USCIS may send the case to the Department of State or issue an NTA if there are problems.

What Are Experts and Stakeholders Saying?

USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said the agency is committed to “the toughest and most secure enhanced screening and vetting policies for our asylum and refugee processes.” National security experts generally support the changes, saying they help keep the country safe. However, some immigration lawyers and advocacy groups worry the new standards could hurt vulnerable applicants and create bigger backlogs.

Historical Context and What’s Next

These changes bring back and expand on earlier vetting policies that have been made stricter over the past decade in response to security concerns. USCIS may update these rules again as threats and policies change. The agency invites feedback on the new policies until September 1, 2025.

Who Is Leading These Changes?

Joseph B. Edlow became Director of USCIS on July 15, 2025. The Department of State and other federal agencies are also involved, especially in the expanded vetting for student and exchange visas.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest policy updates and alerts, visit the USCIS Policy Manual or the USCIS Newsroom. For questions about your case, contact the USCIS Contact Center. For details on visa vetting, check the U.S. Department of State’s official announcement.

What Should Applicants Do Now?

• Gather Strong Evidence: Make sure all documents are complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to answer questions and explain any gaps or issues in your records.
• Stay Informed: Watch for updates from USCIS and the Department of State, as rules may change again.

These new screening and vetting standards show the United States 🇺🇸 government’s ongoing effort to balance safety with fairness in immigration. Applicants, families, and legal representatives should stay alert and prepared as these changes take effect.