Mapping the immigration screening system.
FDNS.law publishes independent analysis of U.S. government programs and practices that screen immigration applications for fraud and national-security concerns. If you've encountered FDNS, CARRP, administrative processing delays, travel bans, travel delays, TSDB screening—or you represent clients who have—this site is for you.
FDNS.law is not affiliated with USCIS, DHS, DOS, or any government agency.
What We Cover
- FDNS (Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate) and screening systems associated with benefits vetting (including FDNS-DS)
- FPU (Fraud Prevention Unit) and Consular screening systems associated with visa vetting
- CARRP (Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program) and what followed after public exposure and litigation
- Vetting practices and programs site visits, enhanced review, and related screening mechanisms where they appear in the public record
- Travel bans and geographic visa restrictions (including proclamations and implementation)
- TSDB/TSDS (Terrorism Screening Database or Datasystem) screening, inclusion, and related programs
- Federal litigation challenging these systems
The goal is to map an opaque system using public records, court filings, and practitioner experience—while separating what is documented from what is inference.
Who I Am
I'm Jay Gairson, an immigration attorney at Gairson Law in Seattle and an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law. My work focuses on the intersection of immigration and national security, including cases involving security holds, administrative processing, and screening-related delays.
Relevant background:
- Expert witness in Wagafe v. USCIS, the class action challenging CARRP
- 15+ years litigating immigration matters involving vetting delays and security-related holds
Editorial Approach
This is independent analysis based on:
- FOIA documents and other public records
- Federal court filings and decisions
- Agency policy memoranda and publicly available guidance
- Pattern recognition drawn from practitioner experience
When possible, posts include links to primary sources and identify what is inference versus what is documented. I aim for accuracy over speed. When I don't know something—or when the public record is thin—I'll say so.
Contact
This site is informational and analytical; it is not individualized legal advice.
For tips, corrections, or expert assistance contact Gairson Law.
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