On August 25, 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, reintroducing personal investigations, also known as “neighborhood investigations,” for those applying for U.S. citizenship.
Background
Neighborhood investigations are not new. They were introduced by law in 1952 and consisted of an investigation and examination of those applying for citizenship in order to determine if they had good moral character.
In 1991, the former immigration service abandoned these neighborhood investigations and replaced them with background checks to determine the applicant’s good moral character.
In August 2026, USCIS announced the reintroduction of these neighborhood investigations as part of the U.S. citizenship adjudication process.
What do neighborhood investigations consist of?
According to USCIS, the purpose of these investigations is to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements for citizenship, including “full attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution of the United States and disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States.”
During these investigations, an immigration officer may go to the applicant’s neighborhood and interview their neighbors in order to obtain information or corroborate information regarding their conduct, residence, reputation, and ties to the community. Also, the officer may ask questions to verify that the information the applicant declared on their application for citizenship is correct.
The immigration officer could take testimony from people who live near the applicant’s home, but also from those who live near their place of employment or business.
What types of questions might the immigration officer ask?
The immigration officer conducting this investigation is required to identify himself and explain the reason for the visit. During the visit, the immigration officer may ask the applicant’s neighbors and acquaintances about their:
- Marital status and children
- Social Activities, Habits, and Associations
- Work, Periods of Employment, and Business
- Reputation in the community
- Criminal History
- Travel outside the United States
- Current address and previous addresses
- Attachment to the United States, including their loyalty to the United States and the Constitution, among other things.
Are neighborhood investigations mandatory for all cases?
No. The immigration officer may waive the neighborhood investigation, but that is at the discretion of the immigration service.
USCIS may waive this investigation if, for example, the applicant for citizenship submits sufficient testimonial evidence or letters attesting to his or her good moral character. Letters of recommendation should preferably be written by U.S. citizens who know the applicant personally and can attest to his or her good moral character, integrity, and loyalty to the United States.
These citizens can be neighbors, employers, co-workers, or business partners. These letters are optional and should not be written by the applicant’s immediate family or relatives.
These letters of good moral character should include:
- The person’s full name, address, phone number, and email address, and indicate and document the legal status of the person writing the letter. For example, if the person is a U.S. citizen, she or he must include a copy of the U.S. birth certificate or passport,
- A description of the relationship with the applicant, including how long they have known each other,
- Give specific examples that demonstrate that the applicant is honest, upright, and engaged in the community,
- An explicit statement about the applicant’s good moral character and attitude toward the United States and the U.S. Constitution.
According to the USCIS Policy Manual, if the applicant submits at least two letters of support with their citizenship application, the neighborhood investigation could be waived and, therefore, the citizenship application could be adjudicated in less time.
Are you interested in applying for citizenship?
If you are not sure if you want to apply for citizenship, we recommend that you read our article Is it worth it To Obtain U.S. Citizenship?
Although you do not need to hire an attorney to apply for citizenship, it is advisable to consult with one who has experience to at least determine if you do qualify for this benefit and evaluate your case. Some factors that could jeopardize your citizenship application include: extensive travel outside the United States, complex immigration history, voter registration, criminal history, and tax or child support debts.
At Bienvenidos Law Firm, Inc., we have more than 25 years of experience in naturalization cases. Call us at 763-951-2235 or write to us at blf@bienvenidoslaw.com to schedule an appointment today.
