U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major policy change that could affect thousands of people applying for U.S. citizenship. Through Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189, the agency is officially bringing back personal investigations of naturalization applicants, also referred to as “neighborhood investigations.”
This move ends the general waiver of these investigations and returns USCIS to a more hands-on, case-by-case approach. While not every applicant will face a neighborhood visit, USCIS will now be using their discretion to conduct one whenever it seems necessary.
What Are Neighborhood Investigations?
Neighborhood investigations aren’t a new idea. In fact, they’ve been part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA §335(a)) for decades. Their whole purpose is to corroborate an applicant’s eligibility for naturalization, including:
- Residency: Whether the applicant actually lives where they claim to live.
- Good Moral Character: Whether the applicant has an upstanding reputation that’s consistent with U.S. legal and social requirements.
- Attachment to the Constitution: Whether the applicant understands and supports the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
- Disposition to the Good Order of the U.S.: Whether the applicant’s conduct reflects their expected level of respect for American laws and institutions.
This can mean a USCIS officer showing up at an applicant’s residence, talking to neighbors, or even requesting to step inside their residence to get a sense of whether the applicant meets all of the eligibility criteria.
Why Is USCIS Bringing Neighborhood Investigations Back Now?
For years, USCIS had broadly waived neighborhood investigations to speed up processing and reduce workload. But in August 2025, the agency announced it will now decide on an individualized, discretionary basis whether to conduct these checks.
This shift is on trend for the growing emphasis on integrity in the naturalization process. By reinstating neighborhood investigations, USCIS is signaling that it intends to take a closer look at the lives of applicants, beyond what’s on paper.
Berardi Immigration Law Partner, Jennifer Behm, Esq. explains:
“Naturalization is such an important milestone, and we understand that the idea of a neighborhood investigation can feel intimidating. The good news is, if you’re informed and prepared, there’s nothing to worry about. These checks are simply USCIS’s way of confirming what you’ve already shown on paper, that you meet the requirements and are ready to become a U.S. citizen.”
What Applicants Can Expect
If selected for a neighborhood investigation, applicants should be prepared for the possibility of any and all of the below:
- A Knock at the Door: A USCIS officer may appear at your home unannounced.
- Questions About Your Life: Officers may ask you directly about your work, family, and community involvement.
- Input from Neighbors: Officers may speak with those living nearby to verify your character and residency.
- Review of Supporting Evidence: USCIS can also consider your tax records, employment history, education, and community contributions.
The agency has also provided internal guidance on when a waiver of these investigations may still be appropriate. However, applicants should not assume they will be waived, and instead be prepared to answer all questions honestly.
How to Prepare for Neighborhood Investigations
While no one can predict exactly who will be faced with a neighborhood investigation, applicants can take the following proactive steps to come out safe and on track with their immigration process:
- Keep Your Records in Order: Maintaining organized, up-to-date documentation is important for avoiding unnecessary delays or questions about your eligibility. Copies of tax filings, leases or mortgages, and employment documents serve as proof of residency, financial responsibility, and stability, all of which USCIS may examine closely. Having these records ready makes it much easier to demonstrate that your life in the U.S. is consistent and well-established.
- Be Transparent: Honesty is non-negotiable when applying for naturalization. Even small inconsistencies or omissions on your application or during your naturalization interview can create red flags and complicate your case. Providing accurate, truthful information from the start shows USCIS you respect the process and have nothing to hide.
- Engage in Your Community: S. citizenship is about more than paperwork, it’s also about showing commitment to your community. Volunteer work, steady employment, involvement in local organizations, and other positive contributions can all help highlight your good moral character. These activities not only strengthen your application but also demonstrate that you are invested in your community.
- Seek Legal Guidance: The naturalization process can be complex, and professional legal guidance ensures you don’t miss important details. An experienced immigration attorney can help you prepare your application, identify potential problem areas, and advise you on how to respond if USCIS requests additional information or conducts a neighborhood investigation. Having someone in your corner gives you peace of mind and increases the likelihood of a smooth approval process.
As Behm emphasizes:
“The best defense is preparation. If you’re eligible, honest, and well-documented, these investigations should not derail your naturalization journey.”
What This Means for the Future
This policy shift will most likely not apply equally to all applicants. Instead, USCIS are more likely to target investigations where it feels extra verification is needed, like cases involving unclear residency, inconsistent documentation, or concerns about good moral character.
For most applicants, the biggest change is psychological: knowing that a knock on the door is now a real possibility.
FAQs on Neighborhood Investigations
Will every naturalization applicant face a neighborhood investigation?
No. USCIS has ended the blanket waiver but will decide on a case-by-case basis. Many applicants will never experience one.
What happens if a USCIS officer comes to my home and I’m not there?
USCIS may follow up at a later time or reach out by other means. Missing a visit does not automatically jeopardize your application, but it’s best to remain cooperative if contacted.
Can I refuse to let USCIS inside my home?
Yes, you can refuse entry. However, refusal may raise questions about your eligibility. It’s important to consult with your attorney on how to handle such situations respectfully and legally.
Be Prepared for Neighborhood Investigations
Resuming neighborhood investigations highlights the government’s intent to carefully scrutinize naturalization applicants. For those pursuing U.S. citizenship, preparation and honesty are more important than ever.
At Berardi Immigration Law, we have decades of experience guiding clients through the naturalization process. If you have questions about how this policy could affect you, or if you want to strengthen your application, our team is here to help every step of the way.