April 24, 2002

INS Performing New Security Checks on Petitions and Delaying the Implementation of Premium Processing for I-140s

According to information received by American Immigration Lawyer’s Association ISD Liaison committee chair, the INS is performing new security checks on all currently pending and future petitions with the exception of N-400 petitions. In addition, the INS is delaying the implementation of premium processing for I-140 petitions which was targeted to begin this spring. However, according to the INS, for the nonimmigrant categories that are currently eligible for premium processing, cases will not be held up by these new security checks unless there is a “hit” from the security check. The INS was not able to say what effect these new security checks will have on processing times overall.

GT will provide updates as they become available.