On March 4, 2009, CIS proudly announced that it had eliminated the backlog for FBI name checks pending more than six months. CIS worked in close collaboration with the FBI to reduce this backlog.

FBI name checks are part of the security clearance process that many immigrant visa and naturalization applicants must complete before CIS will approve a decision on their pending application or petition. In some cases, delays in FBI clearances have held up CIS' processing of legitimate applications for years, which left applicants, their employers and their families in limbo.

CIS and the FBI are to be applauded for their commitment to ensuring the timely processing of valid immigration petitions and applications while maintaining the security and integrity of our immigration system.