USCIS Reinstates 30-Year-Old “Neighborhood Investigations” for Naturalization Applicants
On August 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will reinstate the use of personal or “neighborhood” investigations in the naturalization/citizenship process. This change revives a practice used over 30 years ago authorized under the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows USCIS to conduct in-person inquiries to confirm an applicant’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
What Are Neighborhood Investigations?
Neighborhood investigations typically involve inquiries into an applicant’s residence, employment, and community ties during the five years preceding the naturalization application. These investigations help USCIS evaluate critical eligibility factors, including:
Continuous residence in the United States
Good moral character
Attachment to the U.S. Constitution
Favorable disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States
Why the Change?
In recent decades, USCIS largely relied on FBI biometric and criminal background checks in place of in-person inquiries. However, the agency will now resume neighborhood investigations on a discretionary, case-by-case basis, citing the need for a more comprehensive assessment of applicants’ qualifications.
What Applicants Should Expect
Evidence Requests: USCIS may seek testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, or business associates to evaluate character and eligibility. Submitting such evidence proactively may reduce the likelihood of an in-person investigation.
Discretionary Review: USCIS officers will consider all submitted documentation before determining whether an investigation is necessary.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to provide requested information could trigger a neighborhood investigation and may impact the outcome of the application.
The reinstatement of neighborhood investigations also builds on USCIS’s recent update to Good Moral Character (GMC) standards issued on August 15, 2025. Under the revised framework, USCIS has adopted a more rigorous and holistic approach to GMC determinations, emphasizing not only the absence of disqualifying conduct but also positive contributions to society. Applicants are now expected to demonstrate:
Sustained community involvement
Financial responsibility
Evidence of rehabilitation, where applicable
Key Takeaway
The return of neighborhood investigations signals a heightened level of scrutiny in the naturalization process. Applicants should be prepared to document their community ties, moral character, and overall contributions to U.S. society more thoroughly than in prior years. Contact Vong Law Group if you have questions about your naturalization/citizenship application.
