Trump administration reinstates neighborhood checks for citizenship applicants

In August 2025, the Trump administration decided to resume a practice called neighborhood checks as part of the process of vetting immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship. This practice involves conducting interviews with the neighbors and employers of applicants to assess their fit for citizenship. Notably, neighborhood checks were last utilized during the presidency of George H.W. Bush when they were discontinued in 1991 due to their labor-intensive nature and the realization that they often did not yield useful information. Since then, the standard vetting process relied heavily on FBI background checks alone. The reinstatement of these checks is outlined in a memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which specifies that the general waiver on neighborhood checks is no longer in effect. Officers must now determine whether such investigations are warranted by examining the evidence provided by citizenship applicants. This directive has raised concerns regarding the chilling effect such policies may have on immigrants, potentially discouraging them from pursuing naturalization due to perceived intimidation and increased scrutiny. Proponents of the policy argue that reinstating neighborhood checks is essential for ensuring that applicants for U.S. citizenship demonstrate good moral character and align with the principles of American values. Meanwhile, critics of the Trump administration worry that these measures are part of a broader trend aimed at tightening immigration standards, which some perceive as overly confrontational. Additionally, experts such as Doris Meissner, former commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization Service, have acknowledged that previous requirements like neighborhood checks were abolished because they were deemed ineffective and cumbersome. The return of neighborhood checks is part of the Trump administration's broader approach to immigration reform, which emphasizes rigorous vetting processes for all immigrants, including those applying for green cards and work permits. USCIS claims these changes are designed to prevent fraud and ensure that all applicants are genuinely aligned with the values of the United States. However, the effectiveness and necessity of such checks in enhancing immigration procedures remain a contentious topic, leading to an ongoing debate about how best to maintain a balance between national security and welcoming new citizens.