USCIS Resumes Neighborhood Investigations for Naturalization Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially resumed neighborhood investigations as part of the naturalization process. This change marks a return to more in-depth, community-based vetting of certain applicants seeking U.S. citizenship and may result in increased scrutiny for some green card holders applying for naturalization.

Policy Overview

In August 2025, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189, ending the long-standing waiver that allowed the agency to forgo personal or neighborhood investigations in most naturalization cases. With this waiver lifted, USCIS officers may once again conduct these investigations on a case-by-case basis.

The policy applies to applications for naturalization filed on or after the effective date and reinforces USCIS’s authority to gather information beyond standard biometric and background checks.

What Are Neighborhood Investigations?

Neighborhood investigations are local inquiries conducted to verify information provided by a naturalization applicant. These investigations may include:

• Contacting neighbors or community members
• Speaking with employers or coworkers
• Verifying residence and employment history
• Assessing good moral character

The purpose is to corroborate eligibility requirements and ensure the applicant meets the standards for U.S. citizenship.

Legal Authority Under INA § 335(a)

The authority for neighborhood investigations comes from INA § 335(a), which requires USCIS to conduct an investigation of every naturalization applicant unless waived by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The reinstated policy clarifies that personal investigations remain a lawful and available tool for USCIS officers when adjudicating N-400 applications.

You can review the official USCIS policy memorandum here: USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189.

How This Affects Naturalization Applicants

Not every applicant will be subject to a neighborhood investigation. USCIS has stated that these inquiries will be conducted selectively, based on the facts of each case.

• Applicants with complex immigration histories may face closer review
• Cases involving questions of good moral character may be investigated further
• Processing times may increase in cases requiring additional inquiries

Applicants should be prepared for possible requests for additional evidence or third-party verification.

How to Prepare Your Case

If you are applying for U.S. citizenship, preparation is key:

• Ensure your application is accurate and consistent
• Gather evidence of continuous residence and employment
• Consider testimonial letters from employers, neighbors, or community members
• Consult an immigration attorney if your case has any complications

Proactive preparation can help minimize delays and reduce the likelihood of intrusive investigations.