Why the US Has Launched a New Vetting Centre for Foreign Nationals
USCIS has established a new vetting centre in Atlanta to expand security checks on foreign nationals seeking entry or residency in the United States.
The agency says the centre will operate as a central hub for advanced screening, bringing together resources from the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement bodies, and the intelligence community. Once fully running, it will use both classified and non-classified systems, as well as emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, to review immigration applications.
The centre will assess current petitions and may also re-examine previously approved cases, with particular focus on applicants from countries identified as security concerns. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow highlighted the need for stronger vetting, citing recent violent incidents involving foreign nationals.
He described the agency’s role as increasingly important and said the centre would strengthen national security and public safety. Edlow contrasted the current approach with that of the Biden administration, which he argued prioritised faster processing over security.
He said the shift introduced at the start of the Trump administration was aimed at restoring rigour to the system. Alongside the new centre, USCIS has reduced the automatic extension period for Employment Authorisation Documents.
The maximum validity has been cut from five years to 18 months, a change officials say will enable more frequent reviews, improved fraud detection, and closer monitoring of security risks. The decision has created new challenges for many foreign workers, particularly those on H-1B visas, who now face additional steps to maintain lawful employment.
Vetting measures have also expanded through a new “online presence review” for H-1B applicants, which takes effect in mid-December. This follows earlier rules requiring applicants for F, M, and J visas to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for identity verification.
