The Trump administration has announced plans to reinstate “neighborhood checks” for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, a policy aimed at scrutinizing applicants’ moral character through interviews with neighbors and employers. The measure, described as part of broader efforts to tighten immigration vetting, involves on-the-ground investigations by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials.
Under the revived process, immigration officers would assess whether applicants meet requirements for naturalization, including demonstrating good moral conduct, adherence to the U.S. Constitution, and a commitment to national stability. The policy, which had not been enforced since the 1990s, was previously mandated by the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act but replaced with FBI background checks in subsequent decades.
Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated the reinstatement would “enhance statutorily required investigations” to ensure applicants align with constitutional principles. The move follows recent administrative actions to restrict student visas and impose stricter criteria for diversity visa applications, as part of a broader strategy to limit visa overstays and reinforce immigration scrutiny.