Article Summary

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to reinstate "neighbourhood checks" for US citizenship applicants, allowing USCIS officers discretion to contact individuals like neighbours and employers to assess an applicant's good moral character and loyalty. This move revives a decades-old vetting tool largely waived since 1991, which previously relied primarily on criminal background checks. While USCIS states this ensures proper vetting, some experts question its effectiveness and resource intensity.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This proposed revival significantly complicates the naturalization pathway for lawful permanent residents, many of whom are former skilled visa holders, by reintroducing a subjective and potentially intrusive vetting layer. It shifts the burden onto applicants to proactively demonstrate 'good moral character' through community testimonials, moving beyond standard criminal background checks and potentially adding anxiety and administrative burden.

The reintroduction of a policy largely discarded in the 1990s due to its inefficiency and limited utility raises concerns about increased processing times and the potential for inconsistent application across cases. This move aligns with a broader trend of tightening legal immigration pathways, placing additional scrutiny on those seeking permanent residency and citizenship, which could impact the long-term career planning of skilled professionals and their employers.