The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formalized a policy on August 25 that authorizes its officers to interview neighbors, employers, and coworkers of those applying for naturalization.
The measure, contained in the Policy Alert PA-2026-10, became effective immediately and applies to both pending applications and those submitted from that date onward.
The so-called "community investigations" were authorized since 1952 by section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, but the predecessor of USCIS abandoned them in 1991 due to their ineffectiveness.
Since then, the government verified backgrounds exclusively through biometric checks and FBI criminal databases.
The new alert consolidates in the Policy Manual a process that had begun a year earlier, when the agency director, Joseph Edlow, issued a memorandum ordering its resumption.
What can USCIS investigate about you?
Under the new directive, officials have the authority to gather information that goes far beyond criminal records.
The verifications may cover family situations —including marriages and divorces— social activities, associations, and habits, in addition to credibility, sincerity, and loyalty to constitutional principles. Changes in USCIS processes may affect your path to citizenship.
The decision to conduct or waive an investigation is not automatic: the Fraud Detection and National Security Department will evaluate each case individually.
If the case file contains sufficient evidence, the agency may choose not to conduct the investigation.
How to protect yourself: Reference letters.
The policy alert itself opens a way to reduce the risk of being investigated
Applicants “may voluntarily submit testimonies or personal reference letters, preferably from U.S. citizens who are not family members,” attesting to eligibility, character, loyalty to the United States, and adherence to the Constitution.
USCIS will take those letters into account when deciding whether to exempt the applicant from the investigation.
Those who do not provide supporting evidence may face a more thorough verification process, including potential visits to their neighborhood or workplace.
Employers must also be prepared: the agency may contact them to confirm employment dates, position, and character of the worker.
Concern among lawyers and the community
"I am concerned that people's privacy no longer exists if you want to apply for citizenship. Now you will have to provide the government with all your information, which is not actually necessary to determine whether you are eligible for citizenship or not," stated a lawyer interviewed by Univision.
Another lawyer pointed out the waiting times: "What delays will there be for each application? Nowadays, it takes more than a year for an application to be processed. If these are going to be the investigations we're talking about, one year, two years..."
Erik Finch, a former USCIS official, pointed out that "without clear standards, two applicants with nearly identical cases could face very different levels of scrutiny."
Doris Meissner, former INS commissioner under Clinton, warned that the measure could create “a more intimidating atmosphere that discourages people from seeking naturalization.”
The context of migration tightening
The PA-2026-10 is framed within Executive Orders 14159 and 14161 of President Donald Trump, which require the faithful enforcement of immigration laws and uniform verification standards for any foreigner applying for immigration benefits.
This formalization adds to other recent restrictions: in August, USCIS also tightened the initial evidence requirements, allowing applications to be denied without first issuing a Request for Evidence.
In July, USCIS tightened the adjustment of status interviews.
For the Cuban community, one of the most active in naturalization processes, these changes are particularly significant, especially following the resumption of citizenship processes for Cubans confirmed in July.
Edlow defended the measure: "Americans should feel reassured knowing that USCIS takes its responsibility seriously to ensure that foreigners have good moral character, adhere to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and are inclined towards the good order and happiness of the United States."
The lawyers, however, do not rule out the possibility that the policy may be challenged in court.
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