US to resume neighborhood investigations for citizenship applicants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has decided to resume personal neighborhood investigations for individuals applying for naturalization. The move ends the general waiver of such checks that had been in place for decades.

Under Section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), USCIS is authorized to conduct investigations into applicants for naturalization. These investigations cover an applicant’s place of residence and employment, usually for at least the five years before filing, to confirm eligibility for citizenship. The checks assess residency, moral character, attachment to the U.S. Constitution, and alignment with the principles of good order and security of the country.

While USCIS has generally waived these neighborhood investigations in recent years, relying instead on biometric and criminal background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the agency has now directed officers to apply the provision on a case-by-case basis.


In its updated guidance, USCIS said it “will immediately end the general waiver of neighborhood investigations to fully ensure that aliens applying for naturalization meet statutory requirements, including, but not limited to, full attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.”

Applicants may be asked to provide testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, or business associates to help USCIS assess their eligibility. The agency noted that proactively submitting such evidence with the naturalization application may help avoid delays or additional requests for information.

The policy will be reflected in the USCIS Policy Manual and implemented through individual discretionary decisions by officers. USCIS also clarified that this memorandum is for internal guidance and does not create enforceable rights for applicants or third parties.