Published: September 25, 2025
Are you or a loved one applying to become a citizen in the US? In FY 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted citizenship to 818,500 individuals during naturalization ceremonies conducted across the country and abroad.
Under Section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), USCIS must perform investigations or neighborhood checks of all naturalization applicants unless the Secretary of Homeland Security grants a waiver.
Requirements for neighborhood investigations were essentially stopped in 1991. Instead of conducting its own background checks to assess the applicant’s naturalization eligibility and good moral character, USCIS has mainly relied on the FBI’s biometric and criminal background screenings
However, on August 22, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum stating that it will resume in-person neighborhood investigations as part of the citizenship process. Discover what this reinstatement of neighborhood checks means for those seeking to apply for naturalization.
Overview of How the Neighborhood Checks Work
USCIS officers have the discretion whether to perform or waive neighborhood checks depending on the specifics of the case. Generally, the investigation involves assessing your residence and employment from the past five years before your naturalization application.
USCIS may waive the neighborhood check if your application clearly demonstrates good moral character and continuous residence. The likelihood of a neighborhood check increases if your application raises any concerns.
What the Reinstatement of Neighborhood Checks Means for Citizenship Applicants
The naturalization process may remain the same for most applications. But with the reinstatement of neighborhood checks, applicants may encounter the following if they fail to support their case with strong evidence:
- Additional scrutiny during the evaluation process, such as expanded background checks, home or workplace visits.
- Negative or inconsistent feedback could trigger requests for more evidence, further investigation, or even denial.
- Longer processing times and potential delays if the USCIS decides to conduct neighborhood checks.
Strengthen Your Naturalization Application With Credible Legal Assistance
The reinstatement of neighborhood checks in the citizenship process may lead to further delays without an accurate and well-supported application. Ensure to strengthen your naturalization case with the credible assistance of a Los Angeles immigration lawyer. Our team at ALG Lawyers can help you present compelling evidence up front and meet essential eligibility factors for naturalization. Contact our firm now for a one-on-one case consultation.
FAQs on Reinstatement of Neighborhood Checks in Immigration Policy
What exactly do officers examine during a neighborhood check?
During a neighborhood check, USCIS officers may examine the applicant’s residence, employment history, good moral character, and community involvement. As part of the investigation, officers may interview employers, coworkers, or neighbors to verify the applicant’s good moral character and overall eligibility for naturalization.
Under what circumstances can USCIS perform neighborhood investigations?
The decision to perform neighborhood investigations depends heavily on the supporting evidence presented in your application. Failure or refusal to provide the required documentation to prove good moral character and continuous residence, for instance, may result in a neighborhood check.
How can naturalization applicants prepare for neighborhood checks?
Preparing strong proof up front is essential to avoid additional steps and delays in the citizenship process. Naturalization applicants can take the following steps to prepare for neighborhood investigations:
- Include testimonial letters with your naturalization application to attest to your employment history, good moral character, and residence.
- Promptly respond to any requests for evidence (REFs) from USCIS to prevent delays and further investigations.
- Acquire guidance from a Los Angeles immigration lawyer to ensure eligibility and comply with the necessary documentation.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)