Applicants seeking naturalization must demonstrate good moral character (GMC) as a key eligibility factor. On August 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant policy update regarding the evaluation of GMC for naturalization applicants.
What’s Changed?
USCIS is shifting from a simplistic “checklist” approach to a more thorough, holistic, and comprehensive review of each applicant’s character. Previously, USCIS primarily focused on specific disqualifying acts. However, under the new policy, officers are explicitly directed to consider all relevant evidence, both adverse and favorable, before making a determination on naturalization eligibility.
What Factors Will Officers Consider?
Naturalization applications will now be assessed based on the totality of circumstances, encompassing:
Positive Contributions
Including but not limited to:
- Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States.
- Family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States.
- Educational attainment.
- Stable and lawful employment history and achievements.
- Length of lawful residence in the United States.
- Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States.
Past Incidents
USCIS will pay close attention to any behavior or acts that could disqualify an applicant from being found to be a person of good moral character. This includes not only convictions, but also minor offenses, repeated violations, or any behavior that could negatively reflect on an applicant’s character, even if not technically a crime. Examples of potentially disqualifying behavior or actions include, but are not limited to:
- Permanent bars to GMC: Murder, aggravated felony, crimes of violence, persecution, genocide, torture, or severe violations of religious freedom.
- Conditional bars to GMC: Controlled substance violations, two or more convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), false claim to U.S. citizenship, unlawful voter registration, or unlawful voting.
- Other actions contrary to average citizen behavior: This may include actions that, while technically lawful, are inconsistent with civic responsibility, such as reckless or habitual traffic infractions, harassment, or aggressive solicitation.
Efforts at Reform: Rehabilitation and Reformation
USCIS is placing increased emphasis on providing opportunities for individuals who have made past mistakes to demonstrate genuine rehabilitation and positive change. Documented proof of such rehabilitation can contribute to a favorable finding when evaluating GMC. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Rectifying overdue child support payments or other family obligations.
- Compliance with probation or other court-imposed conditions.
- Community testimony from credible sources attesting to the applicant’s ongoing GMC.
- Reformation efforts or mentoring those with similar past experiences.
- Full repayment of benefit overpayments (e.g., SSI).
- Full payment of overdue taxes.
Policy Link