What the USCIS Announcement on N-400 Neighborhood Visits Means for You

Navigating the New Normal

In a significant policy shift that harkens back to a decades-old practice, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it will resume in-person neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants filing Form N-400. This change, outlined in a recent policy memorandum, marks a move toward a more comprehensive, community-based evaluation of an applicant’s “good moral character.”
For years, the naturalization process has relied primarily on background checks, fingerprints, and FBI records. However, the new guidance grants USCIS officers the discretion to conduct neighborhood checks on a case-by-case basis. This could involve an officer visiting your neighborhood or workplace to interview neighbors, coworkers, or employers to verify information and confirm your eligibility for citizenship.

What Does This Mean for N-400 Applicants?

How to Prepare for the Change
While the prospect of a USCIS officer showing up at your door might be unsettling, there are steps you can take to prepare and strengthen your application:

1. Be Proactive: Consider gathering testimonial letters from people who know you well and can speak to your good moral character. These can be valuable additions to your N-400 application.
2. Ensure Your Application is Complete: Make sure all information on your Form N-400 is accurate and consistent with the supporting documents you provide. This includes your address history and employment information.
3. Inform Your Contacts: It may be wise to let trusted neighbors, employers, and coworkers know that they could potentially be contacted by USCIS. Explain the purpose of the call and what information they might be asked to confirm.
   This policy change, while a significant departure from the recent past, is a reminder that the naturalization process involves a thorough review of an applicant’s life in the United States. By understanding the new policy and preparing accordingly, you can help ensure a smoother path to citizenship.
   Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance on your specific immigration case, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified immigration attorney. http://www.sandiegoimmigrationlaw.com