Internal government guidance obtained by CBS News shows the Trump administration has ordered expanded background checks for broad categories of people applying for legal immigration benefits.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has directed staff to resubmit large groups of cases for secondary FBI security screenings. Affected filings include applications for asylum, lawful permanent residence (green cards), naturalization, and family-based petitions submitted on behalf of relatives of U.S. citizens seeking to enter and remain in the United States.
The guidance directs higher-level checks against FBI systems and criminal databases. In a statement, USCIS confirmed the additional screenings are being implemented, saying they are intended to protect the American public and national security and that any resulting delays should be brief.
The move is consistent with other steps by the administration to increase vetting and constrain access to immigration pathways. Internal directives also instruct officers to identify any anti-American views or activities among applicants as part of the review.
CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez reported these details based on the internal documents obtained by the network.