By Kelsey Zubkoff, Esq. | May 4, 2026 | 10 min read
Last Updated: May 4, 2026 — This article reflects the current status of Operation PARRIS and its impact on the Phoenix, Arizona USCIS Field Office as of the date published.
For those applying for a Green Card from within the United States, the experience at local USCIS field offices has become what many attorneys are calling a "Zip Code Lottery." In Phoenix, Arizona — and across the nation — a new security vetting layer is causing unexpected delays even after a successful interview. Your case was approved in principle, but the card never arrives. Your online status says "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed." Weeks turn into months.
If this sounds familiar, you are likely caught in the Operation PARRIS hold. This guide explains what it is, why it is happening, and what you can do about it — including how to leverage Congressional inquiries and your civic power as a U.S. citizen sponsor.
Related: If your case is stuck due to the 75-country visa pause (for applicants abroad), see our Consular Crisis guide. For the full litigation landscape, see our 2026 Immigration Litigation Guide.
Quick Answers
What is Operation PARRIS immigration 2026? Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening) is a USCIS security directive effective April 27, 2026 that requires re-running biometrics against updated FBI/DHS databases before adjudicating Green Card applications. It primarily affects I-485 applicants with biometrics older than 15 months and applicants from "heightened concern" countries.
How do I request a Senatorial Inquiry for a pending USCIS case in Arizona? Arizona residents can request an inquiry through Senator Ruben Gallego or Senator Mark Kelly's offices. You must be at least 30 days past posted processing times. Sign a Privacy Act Waiver, provide your USCIS receipt number, and include proof of hardship caused by the delay (military deployment, medical emergency, job loss).
How long is Operation PARRIS delaying Green Cards in Phoenix? As of May 2026, Operation PARRIS is adding 3–6 months of additional processing time to I-485 cases at the Phoenix Field Office. Cases involving applicants from the 75 "heightened concern" countries may experience delays of 6–12 months beyond normal processing times.
What Is Operation PARRIS?
Operation PARRIS — Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening — is a security directive that went into effect on April 27, 2026. Under this policy, USCIS is required to re-run fingerprints and biometric data against updated FBI and DHS databases before adjudicating certain immigration benefits.
Who Is Affected
Operation PARRIS primarily targets:
- Adjustment of Status (I-485) applicants who submitted biometrics before April 27, 2026
- Applicants from countries designated as "heightened concern" for national security
- Cases where the original biometrics are more than 15 months old
- Refugee and asylee adjustment cases (I-485 based on prior refugee/asylee status)
The Practical Impact
If your biometrics were taken before April 27, 2026, USCIS guidance now directs adjudicating officers not to approve your case until a new security check is completed against the updated databases. This means:
- Your interview may go perfectly — the officer may verbally indicate approval — but no decision is issued
- You may receive a notice requesting a second biometrics appointment (ASC appointment)
- Your case status online may show "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed" for weeks or months with no further updates
- In some cases, officers are telling applicants directly: "A decision cannot be made at this time"
This is not a denial. It is a hold. But for families waiting for work authorization, travel permission, or simply the peace of mind of knowing their status is secure, the distinction offers little comfort.
The Phoenix Field Office Experience
The Phoenix USCIS Field Office (located at 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle South) is actively implementing Operation PARRIS holds. Based on our experience representing clients at this office in 2026, here is what we are seeing:
Post-interview holds are increasing. Clients who attended interviews in late April and May 2026 are being told that their cases require "additional security processing" before a decision can be rendered. This is happening even in straightforward marriage-based cases with no criminal history or prior immigration violations.
Second biometrics notices are arriving 2–4 weeks after the interview. If you receive a notice for a new ASC appointment, attend it promptly. Failure to appear will result in your case being placed in "abandoned" status.
Processing times are extending by 60–120 days. Cases that would normally be approved within 2–4 weeks of the interview are now taking 3–6 months due to the additional vetting layer.
The hold is not discretionary. Officers at the Phoenix Field Office are following a directive — they cannot override the hold even if they believe your case is approvable. The decision must wait for the updated security check to clear.
Taking Action: The Senatorial Inquiry
When the system stalls, the most effective tool available to you is a Congressional Inquiry — specifically, a Senatorial Inquiry through your U.S. Senator's office.
How It Works
If your case is outside of normal processing times or stuck due to a vetting hold, you (or your U.S. citizen/LPR sponsor) can contact your Senator's office and request a formal status inquiry to USCIS.
For Arizona residents, the relevant offices are:
- Senator Ruben Gallego — Contact the Phoenix office at (602) 640-2141 or submit a casework request through gallego.senate.gov
- Senator Kyrsten Sinema — Contact the Phoenix office at (602) 598-7327 or submit through sinema.senate.gov
What a Congressional Inquiry Does
A Congressional inquiry does not guarantee approval. It cannot force USCIS to say "yes." However, it accomplishes three important things:
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It forces your file to be reviewed by a supervisor. When a Senator's office submits an inquiry, USCIS policy requires a response within 30 days. This means someone with authority must look at your case and provide a substantive update.
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It creates a paper trail. If your case is later denied or further delayed, the Congressional inquiry and USCIS's response become part of the administrative record — which can be valuable in any subsequent appeal or litigation.
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It signals that you are paying attention. Cases with Congressional inquiries are statistically less likely to languish in processing queues. The institutional incentive to resolve flagged cases is real.
When to File
File a Congressional inquiry if:
- Your case has been pending longer than the posted processing time for your category and field office
- You attended an interview more than 60 days ago with no decision
- You received a "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed" status with no update for 45+ days
- You were told at your interview that a decision would be mailed and nothing has arrived
Pro tip: You do not need an attorney to file a Congressional inquiry. However, having your attorney coordinate the inquiry ensures that the request includes the right case details and framing to maximize its effectiveness.
The Power of the 2026 Midterm Elections
The policies causing these delays — including Operation PARRIS, the SAVE America Act, and proposed H.R. 1 fee increases — are directly tied to the current political environment. These are not permanent features of immigration law. They are policy choices made by the current administration and supported (or opposed) by the current Congress.
Why Your Vote Matters
If you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring a family member for immigration benefits, your vote in the November 2026 Midterm Elections is the most powerful long-term tool you have to shape immigration policy. The composition of Congress determines:
- Whether funding is allocated to reduce USCIS backlogs
- Whether additional security mandates like Operation PARRIS are codified into law or allowed to expire
- Whether fee increases that price families out of the system are enacted
- Whether the 75-country visa pause is challenged through legislative action
Action Items
Check your voter registration now. Arizona's voter registration deadline for the November 2026 general election is October 7, 2026. Verify your registration at azsos.gov/elections.
Register at your current address. If you have moved since the last election, update your registration. Arizona allows online registration updates through the Secretary of State's website.
Research candidates' immigration positions. Look beyond party labels — examine specific policy positions on USCIS funding, processing times, and family-based immigration.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If your Green Card case is stuck in an Operation PARRIS hold at the Phoenix Field Office (or any USCIS office), here is your action plan:
1. Attend any biometrics appointment immediately. If you receive a notice for a second ASC appointment, do not delay. Missing this appointment can result in case abandonment.
2. File a Congressional inquiry after 60 days. If your interview was more than 60 days ago with no decision, contact Senator Gallego or Senator Sinema's office. Have your receipt number, A-number, and interview date ready.
3. Keep your EAD/AP current. If your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Advance Parole is expiring while your I-485 is on hold, file a renewal (I-765/I-131) immediately. Do not let your work authorization lapse while waiting for the Green Card.
4. Document the delay. Keep a log of every status check, every call to USCIS, and every day without a decision. This documentation is essential if you later need to file a mandamus lawsuit or demonstrate hardship.
5. Consult with Zubkoff Law. If your case has been in an Operation PARRIS hold for more than 90 days, we can evaluate whether a mandamus action (a federal lawsuit to compel USCIS to adjudicate your case) is appropriate. We handle these cases for clients across Arizona and nationwide.
The Bottom Line
Operation PARRIS is a security directive, not a denial of your case. Your Green Card application is still pending and — in most cases — still approvable. The hold is a delay, not a dead end. But delays have real consequences: expired work permits, inability to travel, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion.
The tools available to you are Congressional inquiries (effective now), litigation (if the delay exceeds 90–120 days), and civic engagement (for long-term policy change). Use all three.
At Zubkoff Law, we represent clients at the Phoenix Field Office every week. We know the patterns, the timelines, and the pressure points. If your case is stuck, we can help you navigate the hold and push toward resolution.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Processing times and policies are subject to change. Consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
About the Author
Kelsey A. Zubkoff, Esq. is the founder of Zubkoff Law, a nationally recognized immigration law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, serving clients in all 50 states and over 111 countries. Dual-licensed in Arizona and California, Kelsey specializes in high-stakes immigration cases including adjustment of status, I-601 and I-601A waivers, VAWA self-petitions, and mandamus litigation against USCIS. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024–2026) and featured in Forbes, USA Today, and Business Insider. As the daughter of a Filipino immigrant and granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, her work is deeply personal. Read Kelsey's full bio →