Keenan Ennis 
Shilpa Malik 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in a policy memorandum dated August 22, 2025, that it is resuming personal “neighborhood investigations” for individuals applying for naturalization. This move reinstates a long-dormant provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and adds a new layer of scrutiny to the citizenship process.
What Are Neighborhood Investigations?
For many years, USCIS has relied mainly on biometrics (fingerprinting) and FBI criminal checks to vet citizenship applicants. Now, the agency is instructing its agents to conduct more personal investigations on an individualized discretionary basis after reviewing relevant evidence
This means immigration officers might look into an applicant’s life within their community to verify that they meet the requirements for citizenship, such as:
- good moral character.
- A law-abiding resident.
- Committed to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
An investigation could involve inquiries around your home or workplace, covering the five years before you applied. While this has always been allowed by law, it hasn’t been a common practice for over 30 years. Now, it’s back on the table.
It’s important to know that this will not happen to every applicant. The decision to conduct a neighborhood investigation will be made on a case-by-case basis. An immigration officer will review your application and decide if a deeper look is necessary.
What Does This Mean For Your Application?
This change means it’s more important than ever to provide strong evidence of your good character when you apply.
You don’t need to wait until USCIS knocks on doors – you can get ahead of the process.
Practical Tip: Including letters from neighbors, employers, colleagues, or community leaders in your initial N-400 filing may reduce the need for a formal investigation.
Why is USCIS Doing This Now?
While the official goal is to ensure applicants meet the high standards for U.S. citizenship, the policy reflects a broader move toward more in-depth, individualized review. Across visa categories, this trend is evident—from USCIS examining concerns like “anti-Americanism” to the State Department expanding social media checks for international students.
VisaNation Attorney Shilpa Malik reminds potential applicants that this development is a reminder that even “routine” processes in immigration law can shift. Preparation and documentation remain your best tools for success.