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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

In August 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189, announcing the reinstatement of personal or “neighborhood investigations” for naturalization applicants. This policy reinstates a long-standing procedure that had been suspended primarily in recent years due to resource limitations and pandemic-related adjustments.

Under the new guidance, USCIS may once again conduct in-person visits or local inquiries at an applicant’s residence, place of employment, or community to verify citizenship eligibility. The goal, according to USCIS, is to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process by ensuring that applicants meet all statutory requirements, including continuous residence, good moral character, and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

That Neighborhood Checks Are Back for Citizenship

What Personal Investigations Involve

Neighborhood investigations were once a standard part of the naturalization screening process. The process often involved cooperation between USCIS, local law enforcement, and other federal agencies.

These investigations may include:

  • Verification of residence through local inquiries or interviews with neighbors.
  • Confirmation of employment history or reported activities.
  • Follow-up checks if discrepancies appear in an applicant’s file.
  • Review of local records or law enforcement contacts, if relevant to eligibility.

While these steps are not new, their reintroduction marks a return to a more hands-on, verification-based approach. USCIS has stated that these checks will focus on resolving inconsistencies or incomplete information before final approval of citizenship applications.

Why USCIS Reinstated Neighborhood Checks

The agency’s rationale centers on credibility and national security. By verifying information at the local level, USCIS seeks to ensure that applicants have genuinely maintained continuous residence and good moral character. The memo follows growing scrutiny of documentation accuracy and increased emphasis on officer discretion in citizenship determinations.

Supporters of the policy argue that the renewed investigations deter fraud and promote fairness among applicants who comply fully with the law. However, critics have expressed concern that expanded field checks could lengthen processing times and raise privacy issues. Regardless of viewpoint, the policy reflects USCIS’s current priority: verifying authenticity through on-the-ground fact-checking.

How Applicants Can Prepare

For most applicants, these investigations should not be cause for alarm, provided all information in their applications is truthful and complete.

Still, there are proactive steps every naturalization candidate can take:

  • Ensure your address and employment history are current and consistent across all immigration filings.
  • Maintain accessible documentation such as lease agreements, pay stubs, and utility bills.
  • Inform references and household members that a USCIS officer may contact them to confirm residence.
  • Be prepared to discuss any extended travel or absences from the United States.

Accuracy and transparency remain the best safeguards against potential complications.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Because neighborhood checks may involve multiple agencies and layers of verification, it is advisable to consult an immigration attorney before filing for naturalization—especially if there are gaps in past addresses, inconsistencies in travel history, or changes in employment. An attorney can review your file, ensure all details align, and help you respond appropriately to any USCIS inquiries.

At Kasturi Law, our Chicago immigration attorney, Shobhana Kasturi, represents naturalization applicants throughout Illinois, including Arlington Heights, Aurora, Champaign, Naperville, Schaumburg, Cook County, and nearby communities.

We offer flexible consultation options—either in person, by phone, or over Zoom—to accommodate your schedule. Schedule a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation using our online calendar, or contact our firm today to discuss your naturalization eligibility and preparation.