Trump restores immigration policy for neighborhood citizenship checks
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The Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of an immigration policy dating back to the tenure of former President George H.W. Bush. This policy involves conducting neighborhood investigations for immigrants applying for U.S. naturalization, as outlined in a recent policy memo released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
According to the memo dated Aug. 22 and made public on Tuesday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will resume personal investigations of aliens seeking naturalization in accordance with section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act was a significant milestone that abolished immigration quotas and emphasized welcoming individuals who could contribute positively to the country. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s remarks at the time highlighted the importance of attracting talent and strength to the nation.
The revitalization of personal investigations, also known as “neighborhood checks,” will involve gathering information from immigrants applying for naturalization, including testimonial letters from various individuals who can vouch for the applicant’s character and eligibility.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a division under the Department of Homeland Security, oversees the legal immigration process in the United States.
Recent Developments in Immigration Policies
The Trump administration is reinstating an immigration policy for neighborhood investigations related to aliens applying for U.S. naturalization. (Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
The memo indicates that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services typically waived the requirements for neighborhood investigations under the 1965 law, relying instead on FBI background checks to assess an applicant’s moral character and eligibility for naturalization.
The renewed personal investigations will involve interviews with an applicant’s neighbors and a review of their employment history over a five-year period preceding the naturalization application. These checks aim to ensure an applicant’s residency, moral character, allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, and commitment to the nation’s values.
Historical Context and Policy Changes
Similar investigations were last conducted in 1991 during the first Bush administration, with earlier instances dating back to 1802, as noted in the memo. The evolution of naturalization requirements over the years has seen a shift from witness testimonials to investigative methods.
President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on immigration policies since taking office. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, expressed support for the reintroduction of personal investigations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to thorough vetting processes for citizenship applicants.
These measures align with the Trump administration’s efforts to address illegal immigration issues, which have garnered both support and criticism from various political factions.
As debates continue on immigration policies and enforcement strategies, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent naturalization process that upholds the values and principles of the United States.
