For many Muslim immigrants, the path to U.S. citizenship is not just challenging—it can be mysteriously delayed or derailed due to a little-known but deeply controversial government program: CARRP (Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program). Originally established in 2008, CARRP targets individuals from Muslim-majority countries or regions, often placing their immigration applications under enhanced scrutiny without notice, justification, or due process.

If you’re a Muslim applicant for U.S. citizenship and your Form N-400 has faced unexplained delays or rejections, you may have been impacted by CARRP.

What Is CARRP?

The Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program (CARRP) is an internal USCIS policy that allows the FBI and USCIS to indefinitely delay or deny immigration applications for individuals considered a “national security concern”—often based on vague or non-criminal criteria.

CARRP typically affects applicants from:

• Middle Eastern nations
• North African countries
• South Asian regions
• Other Muslim-majority areas

The troubling reality is that placement on the CARRP list does not require a criminal charge, immigration violation, or terrorist affiliation.

Why Might Someone Be Placed on the CARRP List?

You can be placed on the CARRP list without your knowledge for reasons as broad and subjective as:

• Your country of origin
• Travel to certain foreign nations
• Involvement in Islamic community organizations
• Religious practices and donations
• “Affiliations” with entities the government deems suspicious

Even innocuous actions—like donating to a humanitarian aid organization that was later flagged—can trigger CARRP review.

How Does CARRP Affect the Citizenship Application Process?

If you’re on the CARRP list and you apply for U.S. citizenship:

• Your N-400 application is delayed, even if you’re otherwise qualified.
• USCIS and the FBI may conduct a “national security” investigation, which legally must finish in 180 days, but often takes longer.
• Your naturalization interview might be cancelled with no explanation.
• Your application may eventually be denied without clear reasoning.

Some applicants also report being interviewed by FBI agents who ask about local Muslim communities or community leaders, suggesting surveillance-like intent.

Signs You Might Be on the CARRP List

Since the government does not notify applicants of CARRP placement, you’ll need to watch for red flags, such as:

• Application delays far beyond normal USCIS processing times
• Naturalization interview cancelled or indefinitely postponed
• Repeated rescheduling or lack of communication from USCIS
• Being approached by FBI agents asking about your religious or community ties

📌 Tip: Compare your timeline with average processing times on the USCIS website. Delays well beyond the listed time—especially if you’re from a Muslim-majority region—may warrant suspicion.

What to Do If You Suspect CARRP Interference

You cannot appeal being placed on the CARRP list because you’re not officially notified. However, you are not without legal recourse:

✅ Contact the ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has actively challenged CARRP in court and provides guidance and legal aid to those affected. You can submit your information securely on their website.

✅ Speak to an Immigration Attorney

Look for a lawyer with experience in CARRP litigation or civil rights law. They may be able to:

• File a mandamus lawsuit to compel USCIS to make a decision
• Challenge a denial based on discriminatory or vague national security grounds
• Help protect your constitutional rights during interviews or investigations

Legal Challenges and Advocacy Against CARRP

CARRP has been widely criticized by civil liberties organizations and immigration advocates. They argue that:

• It violates due process
• It creates a secret blacklist
• It disproportionately targets Muslims, often based on religious and ethnic profiling

Several lawsuits have been filed challenging the program’s legality. In some cases, courts have compelled USCIS to process long-delayed applications or ruled that applicants’ constitutional rights were violated.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Stay Informed

The road to U.S. citizenship is already complex, but for Muslim applicants caught in the web of CARRP, it can be unjustly obstructed. Understanding your rights, seeking legal support, and staying vigilant are the best tools to protect your immigration future.

If you suspect CARRP is impacting your case:

• Document all communications
• Track your application timelines
• Reach out to the ACLU or a qualified attorney