USCIS to Conduct Neighborhood Investigations for Naturalization Applicants
On August 22, 2025, USCIS issued a new Policy Memo announcing that it will resume neighborhood investigations for certain naturalization applicants provided for under INA 335(a).
These personal investigations—which involve gathering information about an applicant’s conduct and reputation within their community—were an important part in the citizenship process from 1981 to 1991. For more than three decades since then, USCIS has largely relied on FBI background checks and fingerprinting to confirm eligibility, rarely conducting personal investigations.
With this memo, the general waiver for such investigations is over, and officers may again use them as a tool to verify whether an applicant meets the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship.
What Are Neighborhood Investigations?
Under INA 335(a), USCIS can investigate an applicant’s residence, employment, and community reputation to confirm eligibility for naturalization. These checks may involve contacting neighbors, employers, or community members to corraborate citizenship eligibility for the required 5-year period preceding the application, including but not limited to the following factors:
Good moral character
Continuous residence
Attachment to the U.S. Constitution
Disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States
What can citizenship applicants expect?
USCIS will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to conduct a neighborhood investigation.
Applicants may be asked for letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, business associates, or other members of the community corraborating their eligibility for naturalization.
Submitting such evidence with the N-400 application may help avoid a neighborhood investigation and/or a reequest for evidence.
How to proactively Prepare?
Submit testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, business associates, or other community members who can speak credibly about your character and residency with your Naturalization Application (N-400).
Keep accurate records of residence and employment for at least 5 years preceding the application for naturalization.
Document community involvement and civic participation, including any volunteer work, participation in local events, or leadership in civic organizations or other positive involvement that can help demonstrate your attachment to U.S. values.
If USCIS requests more information, respond promptly and completely. A delayed or incomplete response may increase the likelihood of a neighborhood investigation.
This policy change calls for a higher level of preparation to establish eligibility for naturalization and may lead to longer processing times if an investigation is initiated. Under the new approach, USCIS places greater emphasis on good moral character and community reputation—not solely on the presence or absence of a criminal record. The August 2025 memo marks a return to more personal, in-depth vetting in the naturalization process. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong community ties and meet all statutory requirements for U.S. citizenship. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact our office.