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Original Date Announced
August 15, 2025USCIS issued a policy memorandum announcing a new approach to evaluating whether noncitizens applying for naturalization have demonstrated "good moral character" as required under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 316(a). This change will require noncitizens to affirmatively establish by a preponderance of the evidence that they have demonstrated "a character commensurate with the standards of average citizens of the community in which the alien resides." This standard is a more stringent evaluation than USCIS's previous approach, which required a showing that it was more likely than not that a noncitizen has good moral character.
The memo outlines three major features of this new approach to evaluating good moral character. First, USCIS will place a greater emphasis on positive attributes and contributions, rather than just looking for an absence of negative attributes. These positive attributes may include contributions to their communities in the U.S., family and caregiving responsibilities in the U.S., stable employment, length of lawful residence, and compliance with tax obligations. Second, USCIS will implement greater scrutiny of "disqualifying behavior and action," such as whether a noncitizen has committed certain crimes or "actions that, while technically lawful, may be inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community, such as reckless or habitual traffic infractions, or harassment or aggressive solicitation." Finally, USCIS will place a greater emphasis on whether noncitizens who have engaged in wrongdoing can establish genuine rehabilitation and reformation.
2025.08.15 USCIS PM-602-0188 - Good Moral Character Evaluation StandardEffective Date
August 15, 2025Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: NaturalizationAgencies Affected: USCIS
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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