USCIS background/security checks of beneficiary in beneficiary's country?

[axs 18]

Hello guys i have a question,

I am waiting for my NOA2 with PD Dec 4, 2013. I was not able to find anywhere any statement which says that USCIS perform background/security checks of beneficiary during Initial Review. All they state that background/security check are performed for applicant/petitioner at this stage.

But after talking with tier 2 several times, meeting with them face to face in Info Pass meeting, talking to congress man, all they say that case is pending due to security checks and most probably it is delayed because of beneficiary security check clearance. One of other Dec filler got the same information.

My question is:

Does USCIS perform background/security check for beneficiary during initial review and if yes against what data they perform those checks. Do they perform those checks for USA or they demand security clearance from beneficiary's county?

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[Boiler 45,535]

Beneficiary checks are as far as I am aware post interview.

Beforehand there would not be much point, only needed if a visa would otherwise be issued.

[axs 18]

Beneficiary checks are as far as I am aware post interview.

Beforehand there would not be much point, only needed if a visa would otherwise be issued.

That was my thinking also, but now tier 2, congress man secretary and info pass lady told me that its probably delayed because of beneficiary's security check pending.

One of other VJ's Dec filler got the same response when a nice tier 2 officer told his US Citizen wife that it could be due to beneficiary security checks...

Have no idea, 9 months and no response, and now these misleading information. i am really stressed...

[ANGUESSAN 10]

i was told the same thing yesterday. i still havent gotten my NOA1 and was calling to verify they got my package (was sent Aug 12). Spoke to Tier 2 person and they gave me my receipt number and said they are doing the background/security checks.

[dwheels76 5,468]

Yes they do background checks . That's why Beneficiary also fills out the G-325A. FBI, CIA, Interpol are the basics one. For your country many times they get name hits so they have to take a deeper look. Takes time.

I know many people from foreign countries under scrutiny that get extensive background checks.

[axs 18]

Yes they do background checks . That's why Beneficiary also fills out the G-325A. FBI, CIA, Interpol are the basics one. For your country many times they get name hits so they have to take a deeper look. Takes time.

I know many people from foreign countries under scrutiny that get extensive background checks.

As written in their privacy impact assessment document

As part of its benefits adjudication process and as required by law, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background checks on petitioners and applicants who seek certain immigration benefits.

They are talking about applicants who seek certain immigration benefits...does that mean beneficiary?

And also they state

These background checks consist of four separate checks against systems within Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

And here they are talking about security checks performed within DOJ, FPI and DHS,

My question is,

Do they also request security clearance from beneficiary's country (IN this case Pakistan)?

[Boiler 45,535]

Ohh yes, that is the big one, well the lengthy one anyway.

I thought any checks before the interview would only involve the petitioner?

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Security checks span a number of databases and are based several factors. They take much longer for people in countries with poor historic record keeping practices and can be complicated by common names. Countries with known ties to terror organizations also require deeper checks.

[hammadf2a 3]

After all this be prepared for ADMINISTRATIVE processing in Islamabad!

[axs 18]

After all this be prepared for ADMINISTRATIVE processing in Islamabad!

That is my biggest fear, have no idea why they are doing this

[christeen 966]

Really.... no idea why?

[axs 18]

Really.... no idea why?

no, no idea. Do you know ?

[silverjetplane 34]

no, no idea. Do you know ?

No idea why they are doing security checks? Of course USCIS and other agencies have an interest in the background of the beneficiary (and the petitioner, too). Also, coming from Pakistan or any other Middle East country, you can expect some extra hurdles even if USCIS or NVC would never say so - and even if it's not warranted.

[axs 18]

No idea why they are doing security checks? Of course USCIS and other agencies have an interest in the background of the beneficiary (and the petitioner, too). Also, coming from Pakistan or any other Middle East country, you can expect some extra hurdles even if USCIS or NVC would never say so - and even if it's not warranted.

Then why only a handful of cases are picked for these lengthy process? if country like Pakistan is flagged RED then every body from Pakistan should be treated same, no?

and if you are picking few cases and letting others cruise through then this is what they are doing with all countries as well, no difference ...There are DEC fillers from UK pending for security checks...

Edited September 3, 2014 by axs