USCIS Raises the "Good Moral Character" Bar for Citizenship Applicants

To naturalize, applicants must show "good moral character" (GMC) during the statutory period before filing Form N-400. On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum that changes how officers assess GMC — and the new approach is more demanding.

What changed

Previously, applicants who had no disqualifying crimes were generally found to have good moral character. Under the new guidance, USCIS conducts "more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing." Instead, officers make a holistic assessment of an applicant's behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions.

In other words, a clean criminal record alone may no longer be enough. Applicants are expected to affirmatively demonstrate good moral character.

Factors USCIS now weighs

Positive factors include:

• Community involvement and volunteering
• Family caregiving responsibilities
• Educational attainment
• A stable, lawful employment history
• Length of lawful residence in the U.S.
• Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility

Conduct that may weigh against an applicant includes controlled-substance violations, multiple DUI convictions, false claims to U.S. citizenship, unlawful voting, and other behavior the agency views as contrary to community standards.

What you should do

If you're preparing to apply for citizenship, gather evidence of your positive contributions — proof of steady work, tax compliance, community or religious involvement, education, and family responsibilities — and be ready to address any past issues honestly. Strong supporting documentation helps demonstrate good moral character under the new standard.

This post is general information, not legal advice. Asal Immigration Services helps Columbus-area applicants prepare Form N-400 and organize supporting documents. See our citizenship resources or book a consultation.