Part 1: USCIS Enhanced Vetting in 2026: Policies Affecting All Applicants
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14161 directing federal agencies to vet and screen foreign nationals to the maximum degree possible. The following measures now apply to all immigration benefit applicants, regardless of nationality or country of origin. For policies specific to nationals of the 39 designated high-risk countries, see Part 2 of this series.
Background: How USCIS Enhanced Vetting 2026 Came Into Effect
EO 14161 directed the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Director of National Intelligence to identify countries with deficient vetting and recommend entry suspensions. That report was delivered in April 2025, triggering the travel restrictions and benefit holds covered in Part 2. On March 30, 2026, USCIS published a detailed public update outlining all actions taken to date.
These changes affect immigration applicants nationwide, including the many families and individuals we serve in the Chicago metropolitan area.
USCIS Enhanced Vetting 2026: Policies That Apply to All Applicants
Social Media and Financial Vetting — Expanded
USCIS now reviews social media accounts for content deemed “anti-American” as part of all adjudications. Financial vetting has also been expanded. USCIS has proposed collecting social media identifiers on all immigration forms. This applies across all benefit types, including employment-based and family-based petitions.
EAD Automatic Extension Eliminated 2026 (Effective October 30, 2025)
USCIS eliminated the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025. Previously, applicants who filed on time received an automatic extension of up to 540 days while their renewal was pending. That protection no longer applies.
Applicants must now file renewals up to 180 days before their EAD expires and monitor processing times closely to avoid gaps in work authorization. Limited exceptions remain for TPS-related EADs extended by statute or Federal Register notice.
EAD Validity Periods — Shortened
USCIS has shortened the validity period of certain EADs upon issuance, requiring more frequent renewals and security checks throughout the authorization period.
Final Arrest and Consular Database Checks — Required Before Any Decision
Before any final adjudication decision, USCIS now requires a final arrest encounter review and a Department of State Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) check. This applies to all benefit types.
Biometric Verification — Updated
USCIS updated its policies to require biometric identity verification when reusing fingerprints on file. USCIS has also proposed expanding biometric collection to include DNA, ocular images, palm prints, and voice prints for future applications.
Classified Information — Reduced Disclosure
USCIS will no longer provide a written or verbal summary of classified information used to deny an application. An applicant may receive an adverse decision without knowing the specific classified basis for the denial, limiting the ability to respond or appeal.
New USCIS Policies for Naturalization Applicants (Form N-400)
Neighborhood Investigations — Restored
USCIS reinstated in-person neighborhood investigations for all N-400 naturalization applicants. Officers may interview neighbors and community members as part of the good moral character assessment. Approximately 700,000–800,000 people file for citizenship each year.
New Naturalization Civics Test 2026 — Effective October 20, 2025
A revised civics test applies to all N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. The format has changed significantly from the prior 2008 test:
Before October 20, 2025 — 2008 Test
- 100 questions in study pool
- 10 questions asked at interview
- 6 correct answers needed to pass
October 20, 2025 Onward — 2025 Test
- 128 questions in study pool
- Up to 20 questions asked at interview
- 12 correct answers needed to pass
- Officer stops once pass or fail is reached — all 20 not always asked
Expanded Interview Standards
USCIS updated interview standards to assess “assimilation” and “allegiance” in addition to the statutory good moral character standard under INA § 101(f). Applicants have reported being asked subjective questions during interviews that go beyond what the statute requires.
Impact on Asylum Applicants: All Nationalities
Beginning late November 2025, USCIS placed a total hold on all pending affirmative asylum applications (I-589), regardless of the applicant’s nationality. On March 30, 2026, USCIS lifted the hold for applicants from non-high-risk countries. Nationals of the 39 designated countries remain on hold with no announced timeline for resolution.
Note: Defensive asylum applications filed in immigration court were not affected by this hold. See Part 2 for the full list of the 39 designated countries.
Contact Us Today for Expert Immigration Legal Services
If you have questions or need more information about the new USCIS policies impacting your rights or any other immigration matter, please contact the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. by e-mailing us at azita@azitalaw.com or calling 312.641.0771.
