The government is reintroducing in-person neighborhood investigations as a part of immigration background checks. The decision is part of a broader push to intensify scrutiny towards legal immigration applications. It’s unclear when this policy will go into effect.

These “neighborhood checks” involve officers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gathering information about the applicant in the locations where they live and work. This can include interviewing neighbors, colleagues, employers, and other associates to better evaluate an applicant’s suitability for naturalization.

The shift in policy rescinds the long-standing “general waiver” that exempted most applicants from undergoing neighborhood checks as part of the verification process. USCIS officers are now told to assess each application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should preemptively prepare testimonial letters from individuals testifying their character and conduct, such as from neighbors, coworkers, or business contacts, to avoid additional scrutiny. Failing to do so could jeopardize an applicant’s chances of acceptance.

Officers retain the discretion to waive the neighborhood check in certain cases. The burden has shifted more heavily onto applicants to proactively demonstrate that they’re qualified for citizenship. Individuals applying for citizenship should take all the necessary steps to prepare the proper documentation prior to submitting their application to immigration authorities.

As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.