On August 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released new guidance on how officers will decide whether someone meets the “good moral character” (GMC) requirement for naturalization.
What Changed?
In the past, officers often focused mainly on whether an applicant had avoided certain crimes or “statutory bars.” Under the new policy, USCIS will look at the whole picture of a person’s life, not just whether they avoided wrongdoing.
What Officers Will Now Consider:
✅ Positive Contributions
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Community involvement and volunteering
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Family caregiving and responsibilities
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Education and employment history
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Paying taxes and staying financially responsible
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Long-term lawful residence in the U.S.
🚫 Disqualifying Behavior
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Permanent bars (e.g., murder, aggravated felonies, genocide, torture, persecution)
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Conditional bars (e.g., drug offenses, multiple DUIs, false claims to U.S. citizenship, unlawful voting)
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Repeated reckless or irresponsible actions (even if technically legal), like habitual traffic violations or harassment
Rehabilitation Matters
If someone made mistakes in the past, USCIS will look closely at whether they’ve shown genuine reform, such as paying overdue taxes, meeting child support obligations, completing probation, or mentoring others.
Why This Matters
Becoming a U.S. citizen is not just about avoiding the negative — it’s about proving you are an active, responsible, and contributing member of society. Under this updated standard, applicants should be prepared to show evidence of their positive contributions and rehabilitation (if applicable).
Tip: If you are preparing for naturalization, gather documents and testimonies that highlight not only your clean record but also your role in your family, workplace, and community.