USCIS Reinstates Neighborhood Investigations for Naturalization Applicants Under INA 335(a)

Key Point 

• USCIS has ended its general waiver of neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants and will now conduct discretionary, case-by-case reviews under INA 335(a) to assess eligibility 

Naturalization Eligibility Review 

Effective August 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated individualized neighborhood investigations for applicants seeking U.S. citizenship under INA 335(a). This marks a significant shift from prior practice, where USCIS generally waived such investigations and relied primarily on biometric and criminal background checks. 

Under the updated policy: 

• USCIS will determine on a case-by-case basis whether to conduct a neighborhood investigation, based on the evidence submitted with the naturalization application. 
• These investigations may include a review of the applicant’s residence, employment history and community reputation, covering at least the five-year period prior to filing. 
• Applicants may be asked to provide testimonial letters from neighbors, employers or associates to help USCIS assess good moral character, residency, and attachment to the U.S. Constitution. 
• Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in a neighborhood investigation, which could impact the outcome of the naturalization application. 

USCIS is updating its Policy Manual to implement this policy, underscoring its renewed focus on thoroughly vetting U.S. citizenship applicants.

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