US asks for home addresses, biometrics of H-1B applicants first time ever: ‘Highly uncommon’

USCIS is in search of home handle and biometrics as further knowledge from H-1B applicants, if there may be any ‘adversarial data’ concerning the applicant.

In a recent bother for H-1B applicants, federal immigrant authorities are asking for home addresses and biometrics for H-1B and employment-based immigrant petitions, which immigrant legal professionals suppose is extremely uncommon, as biometrics aren’t typically required. Immigrant authorities are issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) for this knowledge.
A Request for Evidence is a proper discover issued by the USCIS when further paperwork are required for evaluating a petition. It cannot be seen as a denial however a normal half of the method if there may be any hole within the functions. According to USCIS tips, an RFE ought to clearly define which eligibility standards haven’t been met, clarify why present supplies are inadequate, and recommend what further proof may assist meet the necessities.
These requests are fairly frequent if there’s a lacking documentation, inconsistencies in challenge particulars or a scarcity of supporting proof.

Is it focusing on H-1Bs amid crackdown on immigrants?

Immigration regulation agency Goel & Anderson’s Vic Goel instructed Forbes that is extremely uncommon as a result of biometrics aren’t usually required for these case sorts.”The RFEs also fail to explain the nature of the adverse information, leaving employers and attorneys in the dark. It appears that DHS [Department of Homeland Security] may be using AI tools to flag individuals based on undisclosed data, possibly from social media or other government databases.”
“We have encountered potentially adverse information related to the beneficiary. To continue processing your application or petition, we required an updated address for the beneficiary so that we may collect biometric data,” a USCIS adjudicator wrote in a Request for Evidence, based on Forbes.
The “adverse information” half goes together with the crackdown on immigrants by the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio just lately stated making America secure means revoking visas when threats come up. “US visa holders should know in no uncertain terms that the US government’s rigorous security vetting does not end once a visa is granted,” Rubio stated.