USCIS to Resume Neighborhood Investigations

By: Jioselin Juarez Contreras

On August 22, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189 that it is resuming personal, or “neighborhood”, investigations for people applying for naturalization under section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). “Neighborhood” investigations are often conducted as in-person checks with applicants’ communities to confirm eligibility for naturalization through investigations of the applicants’ residence, work history, moral character, and commitment to U.S. laws and values.

Currently, USCIS generally waives the requirements for neighborhood investigations and for the most part, had replaced these investigations by the 1990s through biometric checks and criminal history checks performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, USCIS retains legal authority to conduct these investigations when needed. USCIS will no longer automatically waive neighborhood investigations and instead will decide on a case-by-case basis after reviewing relevant evidence contained in the records before USCIS.

Hence, applicants may be asked to provide supporting evidence - such as letters from neighbors, employers, or colleagues - who can speak to their character and qualifications for naturalization if USCIS decides more information is necessary. If the applicant does not provide sufficient information, a neighborhood investigation may occur, which could affect the outcome of the naturalization process. Therefore, submitting such documents proactively with the naturalization application could reduce the likelihood of a neighborhood investigation.

For any questions or assistance regarding the Naturalization requirements and process please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.