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By Lee & Garasia, LLC — Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyers serving Edison, Middlesex County, and all of New Jersey
If you are preparing to file Form N-400 for U.S. citizenship—or already have a naturalization interview scheduled at the New Jersey Central Field Office in Cranbury, the Newark Field Office, or the Mount Laurel Field Office—there is an important policy change you should know. In August 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rescinded its long-standing waiver of neighborhood investigations and announced it will again use personal, in-person investigations in certain naturalization cases.
In practice, this means officers may now corroborate an applicant’s eligibility by contacting people where the applicant lives and works, and by reviewing life in the community during at least the five years before filing the N-400. See USCIS Memo PM-602-0189.
As immigration lawyers in Edison, NJ, we want our clients and community members to understand this development and prepare accordingly. Below, our New Jersey naturalization attorneys explain what neighborhood investigations are, what the new USCIS guidance says, and how applicants in Edison and Middlesex County can respond.
On August 22, 2025, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189, titled “Resumption of Personal Investigations of Aliens Applying for Naturalization (INA 335(a)).” The memo directs USCIS to end the general waiver of neighborhood investigations and instead decide case-by-case whether to conduct one.
Officers may also request testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, or business associates who can substantiate eligibility. If an applicant fails or refuses to provide such evidence, a neighborhood investigation may be ordered.
While this is technically a resumption of prior practice, USCIS has not used neighborhood investigations widely for more than thirty years, making this a significant shift. Advocates also note that, although the memo is active, it has not yet been fully incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual.
This change comes directly on the heels of USCIS incorporating expanded good moral character (GMC) requirements into the Policy Manual. Officers are now directed to scrutinize not only whether an applicant passes the English and civics tests, but also whether the applicant’s daily conduct reflects honesty, law-abiding behavior, and attachment to the Constitution. See our earlier blog on this subject.
Because of this, even if you pass your naturalization interview, your case may not be approved right away. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or order a neighborhood investigation before making a final decision. This means delays are possible, sometimes lasting weeks or months, while the agency verifies good moral character or residency through outside sources. While we have seen cases scheduled for interviews relatively quickly in the last few months, these new changes may directly impact whether applicants who pass will still be naturalized the same day now.
A neighborhood investigation originates from Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 335(a) and 8 C.F.R. § 335.1. By regulation, the investigation includes:
For decades, these steps were replaced by FBI name and fingerprint checks which were normally deemed sufficient investigation. The new memo revives the possibility of personal inquiries, including contacting neighbors, employers, or landlords to corroborate eligibility for naturalization.
USCIS may:
Not every case will trigger a visit. USCIS officers retain discretion and may waive the requirement if the file already contains persuasive, corroborated evidence.
Middlesex County residents—including those in Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, and North Brunswick—are usually scheduled at the USCIS Central New Jersey Field Office in Cranbury. At its 2023 opening, USCIS confirmed the office would handle cases from Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Warren, Sussex, and parts of Union County.
Some cases are still scheduled at Newark, and others at Mount Laurel. Citizenship lawyers in Edison should anticipate that local investigations, if ordered, will be coordinated through these offices.
While no official checklist exists, you may face a neighborhood inquiry if you have:
Well-prepared and straightforward cases with extensive documentation are less likely to face a neighborhood investigation.
As naturalization attorneys in Edison, we recommend taking proactive steps:
Taking these steps can minimize delays and may persuade USCIS to waive a neighborhood investigation altogether.
If an officer or investigator contacts you or your neighbors:
It may also help to inform a trusted neighbor in advance that USCIS could verify your residence as part of the citizenship process.
Will every case now involve a neighborhood visit?
No. USCIS will decide case-by-case whether to conduct or waive an investigation.
Can USCIS delay my case even if I pass the test?
Yes. Under the new guidance, cases can be delayed for RFEs or neighborhood checks even after you pass the civics and English exams.
Should I submit letters with my N-400?
Yes. Submitting them upfront may reduce the likelihood of a visit.
Which office will handle my case?
Most Edison and Middlesex County applicants are scheduled at the Central New Jersey Field Office in Cranbury, though some may be sent to Newark or Mount Laurel.
USCIS has reactivated a long-dormant investigative tool and is pairing it with newly emphasized good moral character requirements. This means that even applicants who pass their interview and tests may face delays while USCIS verifies their background through neighborhood investigations or requests for additional evidence.
At Lee & Garasia, LLC, our citizenship lawyers in Edison, NJ, regularly represent clients at Cranbury, Newark, and Mount Laurel. We help Middlesex County residents build strong, well-documented N-400 applications designed to avoid unnecessary delays and support a smooth path to U.S. citizenship. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a New Jersey naturalization attorney.