U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it has updated its Policy Manual to clarify when interviews are required for asylees, refugees and certain family members applying for permanent residency.

Key Points:

  • The update reestablishes a consistent baseline for screening and vetting, aligning with Executive Order 14161 to enhance national security and public safety.
  • USCIS is restoring a standardized approach to determine when interviews are necessary for asylees and refugees applying for adjustment of status.
  • The clarified criteria include situations where identity verification is incomplete, immigration records are insufficient or there are unresolved identity discrepancies.
  • Officers are now explicitly guided to refer applicants for interviews under several conditions:
    • If identity cannot be verified
    • If there are signs of fraud in obtaining asylum or refugee status
    • If FBI fingerprint checks raise concerns or if the applicant’s admissibility remains unclear
    • Additional triggers include connections to countries with terrorism designations or any articulable national security concerns
  • This policy update is effective immediately and applies to all pending and future Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, applications filed by asylees and refugees.

Additional Information: These expanded criteria aim to close gaps in the vetting process and ensure that only eligible individuals proceed to permanent residency. The guidance can be found in Volume 7 of the Policy Manual.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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