US Establishes Atlanta Vetting Centre to Tighten Immigration Screening and Security Measures

The United States has launched a new immigration vetting centre in Atlanta. The move aims to strengthen screening of foreign nationals applying to enter the country. The centre will review new applications, pending cases, and previously approved ones. It will prioritise applicants from countries deemed high-risk. Officials say the new system will prevent entry of individuals who pose security threats, commit fraud or engage in criminal activity.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explained that the hub will centralise all immigration checks. Advanced tools, including artificial intelligence and classified security resources, will be used. Officers will conduct thorough background reviews. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow cited recent violent incidents involving foreign nationals. He said the centre will improve national security and public safety. The agency stressed that the process will allow it to detect risks more efficiently and act quickly against suspicious applicants.

The centre will also reassess previously approved applications. Cases from countries of concern will receive extra scrutiny. USCIS officers will have expanded access to law enforcement and intelligence databases. They will flag potential threats early in the process. Officials warn that visa processing may slow down. Applicants will face stricter documentation requirements. Rejections may rise for incomplete or questionable records. Work permits will be shorter, reduced from five years to 18 months, to allow more frequent background checks.

The Trump administration is also considering expanding the travel ban to more than 30 countries. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the measure is part of broader efforts to safeguard national security. Officials defend the reforms as essential to block entry from countries unable to adequately verify citizens. The centre aims to ensure that foreign nationals entering the US are properly screened. Students, workers and family-based immigrants will all undergo stricter vetting. Even those already in the country may face new checks for work visas. USCIS says the measures are necessary to maintain public safety and reduce fraud risks.

The Atlanta centre marks a major step in U.S. immigration policy. Officials say stricter screening is now central to the country’s approach. The changes highlight the government’s focus on security and careful monitoring of all foreign entrants.