USCIS has resumed a long-dormant part of the naturalization process: neighborhood investigations of naturalization applicants. Under INA § 335(a), USCIS is authorized to investigate an applicant’s eligibility for naturalization, including residence, good moral character, attachment to the U.S. Constitution, and disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States. USCIS announced the resumption of these investigations in August 2025, and recently updated its policy manual to make neighborhood investigations mandatory for all naturalization applicants.
What is a neighborhood investigation?
A neighborhood investigation involves USCIS gathering information from people who know the applicant. The investigation may include interviews with witnesses concerning the applicant’s conduct, residence, reputation, and community ties. USCIS indicates that the investigation covers the vicinity of the applicant’s residence and employment and generally includes at least the five-year period preceding the naturalization application.
USCIS has discretion to waive the investigation based on the circumstances of an individual case. One factor that may support a waiver is the submission of at least two letters addressing the applicant’s good moral character (GMC).
What should GMC letters include?
According to USCIS guidance, the letters have the following requirements:
- Be written by U.S. citizens who know the applicant personally;
- Explain the writer’s relationship with the applicant and how long they have known the applicant;
- Provide specific examples demonstrating the applicant’s good moral character;
- Address the applicant’s reputation and contributions to their family, workplace, or community, where appropriate; and
- Explicitly state the writer’s belief that the applicant possesses good moral character and is well-disposed toward the United States and the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
The goal is to provide USCIS with specific firsthand evidence rather than generic statements that simply describe the applicant as a “good person.”
What does this mean for naturalization applicants?
Although submitting two GMC letters does not guarantee that USCIS will waive an investigation, strong letters can give USCIS additional evidence to consider when determining whether a waiver is appropriate. Applicants should also understand that GMC letters are not a substitute for full disclosure of any required but potentially negative information on the N-400. USCIS continues to conduct background and security checks and evaluates the totality of the record when determining naturalization eligibility.
Jennifer Carr © Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC 2026
