Effective August 27, 2025
USCIS has reinstated neighborhood and workplace investigations for certain naturalization applicants, a practice not used since the early 1990s. Officers may now visit applicants’ homes and offices, interview neighbors, colleagues, and supervisors, and request letters of recommendation to verify moral character and community reputation.
For employers, this creates the possibility of unannounced USCIS contact with managers or HR, raising privacy concerns and the potential for workplace disruption. Processing times are also expected to lengthen, and employees may seek HR support for employment verification or reference letters.
Next Steps for Employers: Employers should prepare managers and HR teams for possible outreach, establish internal guidelines for issuing reference or employment letters, advise employees to begin gathering community and workplace testimonials early, and consult with counsel to ensure consistent communication and minimize disruption.
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