US citizenship applicants face renewed neighbourhood scrutiny under new USCIS guidance

Those applying for US citizenship could face scrutiny from their neighbours, co-workers and wider communities as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has formally laid out how it will conduct neighbourhood investigations during the naturalisation (citizenship) process.The new guidance, issued on Aug 25, took effect immediately and applies to citizenship applications pending on that date as well as those filed thereafter. Investigators may seek information from people who know the applicant, including neighbours, landlords, employers, co-workers, business associates, customers and others. The scope can be wide, covering an applicant's family and marital history, social activities and associations, employment and business activities, financial obligations and reputation in the community.The inquiry may also examine criminal history, international travel and foreign activities, as well as current and previous residences.