What to Know Wednesday: Changes to the "Good Moral Character" Standard for U.S. Citizenship

In August 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a policy memorandum titled Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard for Aliens Applying for Naturalization. This policy significantly alters how applicants for U.S. citizenship are assessed regarding their moral character.

What Is the "Good Moral Character" Standard?

The "Good Moral Character" requirement has long been a cornerstone of the naturalization process. Historically, applicants were expected to demonstrate that they had been law-abiding and had not committed certain disqualifying offenses during the statutory period before applying for citizenship. These offenses included serious crimes such as murder, aggravated felonies, and habitual drunkenness.

Under the new policy, USCIS officers are directed to adopt a more comprehensive approach. This includes evaluating applicants' positive contributions to society, such as community involvement, family responsibilities, educational achievements, and stable employment. The aim is to assess the "totality of circumstances" to determine whether an applicant embodies the moral character expected of a U.S. citizen.

Key Changes in the Evaluation Process

• Holistic Assessment: Officers are now instructed to consider both positive attributes and any potential disqualifying conduct. This means that even minor infractions, if deemed indicative of poor moral character, could impact the outcome of a naturalization application.
• Emphasis on Positive Contributions: Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of their positive contributions to society. This could include letters of recommendation, records of volunteer work, and other documentation that showcases their commitment to community and civic responsibilities.
• Subjectivity in Decision-Making: The expanded criteria introduce a level of subjectivity into the decision-making process. This could lead to increased variability in outcomes, as different officers may weigh factors differently.

Implications for Applicants
Applicants for U.S. citizenship should be aware of these changes and prepare accordingly. It is advisable to gather documentation that highlights positive contributions to society and to be prepared to address any past conduct that may be scrutinized under the new guidelines. Given the increased subjectivity in evaluations, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

Final Note
The revised "Good Moral Character" standard reflects a shift towards a more comprehensive evaluation of applicants' suitability for U.S. citizenship. While this approach aims to ensure that new citizens embody the values and responsibilities associated with citizenship, it also introduces new challenges and considerations for prospective applicants.