NewsFlash! USCIS Issues Guidance on Public Benefits and Good Moral Character for Naturalization

On November 4, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum addressing how an applicant’s support of dependents, sponsorship obligations, and public benefits-related conduct may affect the good moral character determination required for naturalization. The memorandum states that USCIS plans to issue additional policy guidance and revise Form N-400 to collect information about public benefit use and support of dependents.

The memorandum states that lawful receipt of public benefits, by itself, does not bar naturalization. However, USCIS may consider certain conduct, including a willful failure to support dependents, public benefits fraud, a failure to meet sponsorship obligations, or conduct the agency views as intentional avoidance of self-sufficiency. USCIS says officers must review benefits-related conduct individually, considering all relevant circumstances. Applicants with questions about their circumstances should consult an immigration attorney. Murthy Law Firm is reviewing the guidance, and readers should watch MurthyDotCom for further analysis.

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