The Trump administration has announced plans to revive a decades-old practice of conducting “neighborhood checks” for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. The policy involves immigration officials interviewing neighbors and employers of applicants to assess their moral character and alignment with American values.

The move, detailed in a government memo, marks the resumption of a process that had been dormant for over 30 years. Under the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act, such checks were mandated but largely suspended since the 1990s, with background screenings instead relying on FBI databases. The administration claims the reinstatement strengthens scrutiny of naturalization applications, ensuring applicants meet requirements such as good moral standing and adherence to U.S. constitutional principles.

Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated the policy aligns with congressional intent to “properly vet aliens” and confirm their commitment to national interests. The initiative follows broader efforts by the administration to impose stricter immigration measures, including reduced student visa durations and updated diversity lottery rules.

The decision has sparked debate over balancing security concerns with privacy rights, as critics argue the method risks intrusive investigations while supporters frame it as necessary for safeguarding citizenship integrity.