Trump administration made national security a central focus of immigration policy by issuing executive orders and proclamations requiring stricter screening and vetting of foreign nationals, particularly those from countries considered high-risk. These measures included travel restrictions affecting dozens of countries and a directive for agencies like USCIS to maximize scrutiny of applicants. USCIS later determined that prior vetting practices were insufficient, allowing some individuals to receive immigration benefits who should not have, which raised concerns about security risks and system integrity. In response, USCIS implemented significant changes, including pausing certain applications (such as asylum and diversity visa adjustments), enhancing background checks, increasing use of biometrics and social media screening, and launching additional review initiatives like Operation PARRIS. The agency also developed more rigorous, country-specific risk assessments and layered vetting procedures, while gradually lifting application holds after thorough review. Overall, these efforts are framed as an ongoing commitment to strengthening immigration controls, preventing fraud, and ensuring that only properly vetted individuals receive immigration benefits.