USCIS Implements Additional National Security Measures in the Wake of National Guard Shooting by Afghan National

Following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan national, USCIS has issued new guidance that allows country-specific security risk factors to be considered when vetting aliens from 19 identified high-risk countries. This policy change expands the criteria used to assess national security concerns during the visa and immigration application review process. The measure may impact processing and approval rates for applicants from affected nations.