At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the ever-changing landscape of U.S. immigration law. As of August 28, 2025, a significant policy shift under the Trump administration has been announced: USCIS has reinstated “neighborhood checks” for N-400 (Application for Naturalization) applicants, a practice that had been waived since 1991. This “just released” update, effective immediately for new and pending applications, signals a return to more intensive background investigations to verify applicants’ good moral character, residency, and overall eligibility for U.S. citizenship. While aimed at enhancing national security and fraud detection, this change could lead to longer processing times, increased scrutiny, and higher denial rates—making it crucial for applicants to prepare meticulously and seek expert legal assistance to avoid pitfalls.

What Are Neighborhood Checks and Why the Change?

• Definition and Process: Neighborhood checks involve USCIS officers or investigators visiting an applicant’s home, workplace, or community to interview neighbors, landlords, employers, or others who can corroborate details from the N-400 application. This may include questions about your daily life, family, character, and any potential red flags (e.g., unreported criminal activity, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in residency claims). These checks, part of the broader FBI and inter-agency background vetting, can extend investigations into an applicant’s history going back decades if needed.
• Historical Context: Waived in 1991 due to resource constraints, these checks are now being reinstated as part of the administration’s focus on “robust screening and vetting” (as outlined in early 2025 executive actions). This aligns with expanded “good moral character” standards issued on August 15, 2025, which broaden evaluations of past conduct, including minor infractions, financial issues, or associations that could raise security concerns.
• Impact on Applicants: For those with complex histories (e.g., old traffic violations, unreported overseas travel, or community disputes), this could trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs), delays (N-400 processing already at 12-18 months on average), or denials. Even clean records may face added scrutiny, especially for applicants from high-risk countries or with long residency periods. Biometrics and FBI name/fingerprint checks remain standard, but neighborhood vetting adds a layer of real-world verification.
• Broader Policy Shifts: This is part of ongoing changes, including continuous vetting of visa holders and social media surveillance for naturalization forms, emphasizing fraud prevention but potentially affecting millions.

If you’re preparing or have filed an N-400, this reinstatement underscores the need for full disclosure and strong documentation. Incomplete or inconsistent information could jeopardize your path to citizenship.

Protect Your Application – Let Truong Law Firm Help

Attempting the N-400 process without professional support is riskier than ever amid these stricter checks. At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, our bilingual team (English and Vietnamese) has helped countless clients navigate naturalization, from reviewing criminal/immigration histories to preparing for interviews and responding to RFEs. We can assess your background for potential issues, gather robust evidence of good moral character, and advocate on your behalf to minimize delays. Contact us today at (713) – for a consultation—don’t let new vetting rules derail your American dream.

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