USCIS resumes antiquated Neighborhood Investigation policy for naturalization applicants

In a policy memorandum dated August 22, 2025, USCIS announced that it will be resuming “neighborhood investigations” of naturalization applicants, a policy that has not been used since 1991. USCIS may now further investigate a naturalization applicant on an individualized, discretionary basis. The investigations may include requesting testimonial letters from an applicant’s neighbors, employers, coworkers, and business associates “who can provide substantiated information about the [applicant], including any of the requirements for naturalization.” USCIS states that proactively including such letters in an application “can assist USCIS in determining whether a waiver of a neighborhood investigation is appropriate in a particular case without a need to issue a Request for Evidence.” 

Read the Policy Memorandum here.