USCIS Personal Investigations for Naturalization Applicants
On August 2, 2025, USCIS published: USCIS PM-602-0189 Policy Memorandum: Resumption of Personal Investigations of Aliens Applying for Naturalization (INA 335(a)) . Source.
The following is a summary for adult school teachers and students in an ESL/Citizenship program.
What the new policy means:
USCIS can now check an applicant’s background more closely by using personal or neighborhood investigations. Officers may visit or contact people in the community to confirm information about where the applicant lives, works, and participates in civic life.
Main Purpose
- To make sure applicants meet all requirements for U.S. citizenship.
- To check and verify important facts such as continuous residence, good moral character, and attachment to the U.S. Constitution.
- To prevent fraud and ensure fairness in the naturalization process.
When USCIS May Investigate:
- USCIS may decide to investigate if:
- The applicant has moved many times or has unclear addresses.
- There are questions about employment, community ties, or good moral character.
- Background checks show information that needs more proof.
- There are differences between what the applicant says and what the records show.
What an Investigation Can Include:
- Visits to the applicant’s neighborhood or workplace.
- Interviews with neighbors, employers, or community members.
- Requests for extra documents such as letters confirming residence or character.
- Review of tax, employment, or travel records.
What Applicants Should Do
- Keep clear records of addresses, jobs, and travel history.
- Use the same name and address on all documents.
- Be honest and complete when filling out forms.
- Get letters from employers, neighbors, or community leaders if asked.
- Participate in local or civic activities to show community connection.
Who May Be Most Affected
- People who moved often or changed jobs frequently.
- People who travel outside of the United States for long periods.
- Applicants with limited community involvement.
- Applicants who have had contact with law enforcement, even if the case was closed.
- Applicants who applied for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen (more below)
What Stays the Same
- The basic rules for citizenship have not changed:
- You must be a lawful permanent resident.
- You must meet age, residence, English, and civics test requirements.
- You must have good moral character and support the U.S. Constitution.
Marriage-Based Petitions
Although USCIS USCIS PM-602-0189 does not specifically mention marriage-based applications, USCIS officers make unannounced visits to a couple’s home to confirm that they live together and that their marriage is real.
During these visits, officers may look for signs of a shared home, talk with the couple or their neighbors, and check personal items such as closets or toothbrushes. These visits usually happen when the case shows inconsistencies ("Red Flags") or other warning signs.
Remain calm and cooperative and be prepared to answer questions about your relationship and living situation. Show them evidence of your life together: photos or receipts with both of your names to confirm the marriage.
Key Message
This policy does not make naturalization harder; it makes the process more accurate and trustworthy. Applicants who keep good records, tell the truth, and stay active in their communities should not be worried.
Final Note
Please note that this summary was written by an ESL/Citizenship teacher for educational purposes only. Because this summary was not written by an accredited immigration legal service representative, do not use it as legal advice.
If you have any immigration questions, please contact an accredited legal immigration services program listed at the following sites: EOIR Justice.gov List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers, AILA.com, or CLINIC local affiliates.
