All articles tagged with #vetting
USCIS's end-of-year review highlights significant efforts under Secretary Noem to strengthen immigration screening, crack down on fraud, enhance national security, and prioritize American interests through policy reforms, increased enforcement, and technological advancements.
During Trump's second term, a record number of personnel nominations have been withdrawn or delayed due to rapid nomination pace and vetting issues, prompting concerns from Senate Republicans about the quality and thoroughness of the vetting process.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that starting October 30, 2025, automatic extensions of employment authorization documents (EADs) for renewal applicants will end, emphasizing increased vetting and screening to enhance public safety and security, with limited exceptions. This change aims to improve background checks and deter fraud, requiring applicants to renew their EADs proactively to avoid lapses in employment authorization.
The US State Department is reviewing over 55 million visa holders for potential violations, with the possibility of revoking visas and deporting individuals based on criteria like criminal activity, terrorism support, or overstays, amid a broader crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration.
USCIS is updating its policy manual to consider anti-American activities and support for terrorist organizations as negative factors in discretionary decisions for immigration benefits, including social media vetting, emphasizing rigorous screening to prevent granting benefits to those who despise or promote anti-American ideologies.
The U.S. Department of State announced expanded screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants, especially for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, including online presence checks and social media privacy adjustments, to enhance national security and ensure applicants' eligibility.
The U.S. State Department has implemented increased vetting procedures for all visa applicants linked to Harvard University, including social media screening, as part of a new directive aimed at scrutinizing faculty, students, and visitors, with potential plans to expand to all student visas.
The Trump administration's vetting process for key positions involves Senate approval for over 1,000 roles, including Cabinet members and ambassadors, requiring financial disclosures and Senate hearings. Some positions, like the national security adviser, don't need Senate approval but still undergo FBI checks. Recess appointments allow a president to bypass Senate vetting by appointing officials during congressional recesses, though these are temporary and have been used less frequently since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling against Obama's use of the process.
The Trump campaign has started vetting potential vice presidential candidates for the 2024 election, with notable names including Sens. Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, Tim Scott, Reps. Byron Donalds, Elise Stefanik, Gov. Doug Burgum, and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson. The final decision is expected around the Republican National Convention in July.
Online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart have become playgrounds for fraudulent sellers who list products with inflated or deceptive performance claims, including counterfeit tech scams such as fake SSDs, Apple chargers, cables, and batteries that threaten physical harm. Despite their considerable resources, these marketplaces have failed to properly vet sellers and their products. The federal government will require online retailers to do a much better job of vetting seller credentials by the end of this month, courtesy of the INFORM Consumers Act. However, shoppers also need to take matters into their own hands to protect themselves.
The new superintendent of the West Virginia State Police is vetting top brass appointments and targeting accusations of wrongdoing within the department. The move comes after a series of scandals and controversies involving the state police, including allegations of excessive use of force and mishandling of evidence. The superintendent has promised to restore public trust in the department and ensure that officers are held accountable for their actions.