US To Conduct Stricter Screening for Foreign Nationals

Hyderabad: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that it will enforce stricter screening and vetting measures for foreign nationals, following new directives from US President Donald Trump.

In a statement, USCIS said that the changes are being enforced after executive orders and presidential proclamations aimed at strengthening national security and public safety, which will include tighter checks on individuals applying for visas, asylum, permanent residence, and citizenship, especially from countries identified as high-risk.

In its review, USCIS said that earlier vetting processes were “wholly inadequate”, and said that some individuals were granted immigration benefits, including citizenship, without proper background checks. They said that such gaps could pose serious risks to national security and weaken trust in the immigration system.

USCIS stated that they are bringing several new steps, which include more frequent background checks, stricter identity verification using biometrics and increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media and financial records.

The agency has also launched “Operation Parris”, which involves re-checking refugee claims through interviews and additional background investigations.

Furthermore, many pending applications, including asylum requests and diversity visa cases, have been placed on hold for detailed review. USCIS said it is gradually lifting these holds in cases where thorough vetting has been completed.