India, May 6 -- While reviewing the FBI database for the purpose of vetting immigration applications is not a new process, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has now acquired increased access to the federal agency's criminal history information as a new, enhanced security verification process commences.

According to CBS News, the administration has requested a temporary halt on certain cases while these new changes are being put into effect. Last week, the USCIS has issued internal guidance to its officers, instructing them to resubmit pending applications for immigration benefits, which include asylum, Green Cards, and US citizenship, for deeper FBI background checks.

Officers have been instructed to avoid approving any...