In a significant policy shift, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially reinstated a traditional method of vetting individuals applying for American citizenship: the in-person neighbourhood investigation. This move, part of a broader overhaul of the naturalization process, signals a return to more personal verification methods alongside modern database checks.
The Return of Personal Verification
The agency confirmed that its officials have resumed visiting the neighbourhoods and workplaces of citizenship applicants. The purpose is to speak directly with neighbours and employers to verify key aspects of an applicant's life in the US. This practice, which had been largely discontinued in favour of high-tech screening, was formally resumed in November 2025 under an initiative prioritizing national protection.
USCIS stated that the core goal of these visits is to assess an applicant's eligibility by examining their residency, moral character, loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, and overall commitment to the country's welfare. The agency emphasized that these investigations are crucial for maintaining the integrity of citizenship grants, ensuring assimilation into American society, and safeguarding the value of becoming a US citizen.
Beyond Criminal Records: Seeking Community Ties
Previously, the process for green card holders seeking citizenship after five years relied heavily on checking various government databases. Officials would run names through FBI and Department of Homeland Security systems to uncover any criminal history. They also reviewed records for tax compliance, child support issues, fraud, or other violations.
However, the Trump administration announced in 2025 that the absence of a criminal record was no longer deemed sufficient. The revived neighbourhood check aims to gauge an applicant's involvement in their community and their standing among those who know them personally. The administration's stance is that neighbours can provide authentic testimony about an individual's good moral character, which forms a cornerstone of the naturalization criteria.
A Tougher Path: The Revised Naturalization Test
Alongside the investigative changes, USCIS has also made the citizenship test itself more challenging. The revisions represent a substantial increase in difficulty and scope:
- The question bank has been expanded from 100 to 128 questions.
- The number of questions asked during an applicant's test has doubled from 10 to 20.
- The passing score has been raised from 6 correct answers to 12.
- The questions have been revised to ensure a more meaningful assessment of the applicant's knowledge of U.S. history and government.
The administration has framed these changes around the principle that naturalization is a privilege. It asserts that new citizens must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the rights and responsibilities that accompany American citizenship. The combined effect of deeper personal investigations and a more rigorous knowledge test marks a stricter, more comprehensive approach to becoming a United States citizen.
