According to internal government documents obtained by CBS News, the Trump administration is ordering enhanced security checks for broad categories of immigrants applying for various legal immigration benefits. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez explains.
The Trump administration is mandating new, expanded background checks for immigration applications, according to internal guidance that we obtained here at CBS News. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has directed its employees to resubmit broad categories of legal immigration cases for new secondary FBI security screenings. We are talking about applications for asylum or a green card, American citizenship, and also petitions filed on behalf of the relatives of American citizens, who are looking to come here legally and permanently. All these cases will now be subject to the higher levels of security screening by the FBI and its criminal database.
In a statement, USCIS confirmed that the new checks are indeed happening, saying that they’re meant to protect the American public and national security. The agency added that any delay stemming from the new background checks will be brief in nature. We have to underscore this is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to more aggressively vet immigration applications, and also to restrict access to the U.S. immigration system. One of the other directives involves officials trying to identify any anti-American view or activity by people applying for legal immigration benefits.
LINDSEY REISER: Camilo Montoya-Galvez, thank you.
