According to information obtained by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, new security measures have led to a halt in INS processing of certain applications. Approvals in adjustment of status cases are not being issued even when processing on the case is complete, and approvals in naturalization and asylum applications are being substantially delayed. There have even been reports of people being called away from naturalization ceremonies at the last minute.
The INS denies that there has been a halt in adjudications, but a memo issued by the INS last month instructs that no “benefits” be granted until the INS has received the results of an FBI check. Previously, if the INS had not received word from the FBI, it would assume that there was not a problem. Now, however, the agency is requiring the results be in hand before a benefit can be granted. Interim benefits, such as employment authorization and advance parole, are not being delayed.
AILA has been told that the system for coordinating INS and FBI information has been improved and is nearly complete, but there remains a backlog of cases in which FBI approvals are needed.
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