U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has formally reinforced policy guidance allowing field officers to conduct discretionary neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants.
USCIS investigators may reach out directly to an applicant’s neighbors, landlords, employers, and co-workers to gather background information.
Inquiries focus on assessing the applicant's good moral character, truthfulness, employment history, and overall reputation within their local community.
The updated policy memo strengthens the agency's 2025 decision that ended a decades-old general waiver of personal investigations for N-400 cases.
Inquiries are not automatic for every applicant; USCIS Fraud Detection officers determine on a case-by-case basis whether an investigation is required.
Applicants can voluntarily submit character reference letters—preferably from U.S. citizens—which officers consider when deciding to waive an inquiry.
Maintaining complete accuracy across all tax records, address histories, and employment documentation remains essential as field scrutiny increases.