The Trump administration has announced plans to reinstate “neighborhood checks” for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, a practice halted over three decades ago. The policy involves immigration officials interviewing neighbors and employers of applicants to assess their moral character and alignment with American values.

Under the revised process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct on-the-ground investigations to verify applicants meet requirements for naturalization, including demonstrating good moral standing, adherence to the U.S. Constitution, and commitment to national order. The method, mandated by the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act, had not been enforced since the 1990s, with background checks previously handled by the FBI.

Joseph Edlow, director of USCIS, stated the move aims to “enhance statutorily required investigations” and ensure applicants are “well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.” The administration has framed the policy as a measure to strengthen scrutiny of immigration applications, following recent changes such as stricter student visa rules and updated diversity visa requirements.

The reinstatement marks another step in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reform immigration processes, though it has sparked debates over privacy concerns versus national security priorities.