U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the creation of a new specialized unit aimed at bolstering immigration screening and improving national security measures. The newly established USCIS Vetting Center, headquartered in Atlanta, will centralize and strengthen the agency’s ability to identify individuals who may pose threats to public safety or who have committed fraud or other immigration violations.
According to USCIS, the center will integrate multiple screening resources and adopt advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the review of immigration applications and petitions. Once fully operational, it will conduct both initial and supplemental vetting, drawing on classified and nonclassified data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow said the center is designed to improve the agency’s responsiveness to evolving threats. “Establishing this vetting center will give us more enhanced capabilities to safeguard national security and ensure public safety,” Edlow stated.
The new initiative follows President Trump’s Executive Order 14161, Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. It also complements other recent steps by USCIS, including additional national security measures that consider country-specific risk factors, a temporary pause on affirmative asylum decisions, and expanded recruitment for “homeland defender” positions.
USCIS officials said the center will also review previously approved applications to detect potential issues. Priority will be given to cases from countries designated as high-risk under current national security guidelines.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
