USCIS AOS 2026 Alert: FBI Background Checks Causing Broad Adjudication Holds

A letter sent by members of Congress to USCIS on June 3, 2026, has raised alarm about what appears to be broad adjudication holds affecting immigration applications. The letter, authored by Representative Krishnamoorthi and colleagues, urges USCIS to provide transparency and resolution regarding these systemic delays. The holds appear to be connected to enhanced FBI background check procedures, which are causing widespread pauses in adjudication across multiple visa categories. Applicants who have been waiting for movement on their cases — including those in the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process — have reported unexplained stalls with no clear communication from USCIS. For EB-3 applicants, this development is particularly significant. Those with priority dates that have become current in recent Visa Bulletins may find their cases stuck in a background check queue rather than moving toward approval. The lack of official guidance from USCIS has led to significant community concern and speculation. The congressional letter requests USCIS clarify the scope, legal basis, and timeline for resolving these adjudication holds. Advocates and applicants are being encouraged to contact their congressional representatives if their cases appear to be affected by unexplained delays. EB-3 applicants currently in the AOS process should monitor USCIS case status closely and consider reaching out to a licensed immigration attorney if their case has shown no movement despite a current priority date.