USCIS Announces Changes to Good Moral Character Evaluation for Naturalization Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum on 15.Aug.2025, announcing changes to how “good moral character” is evaluated for naturalization applicants. The new policy restores a prior totality of the circumstances approach for good moral character determinations.

Overview of Good Moral Character Requirements

U.S. immigration law requires that an applicant for naturalization be a person of good moral character. The standard review period is five years prior to filing Form N-400, though applicants married to U.S. citizens may qualify for a shortened, three-year timeframe. Immigration officers evaluate good moral character on a case-by-case basis, using the preponderance of evidence standard, that is, determining whether it is more likely than not that the applicant meets this requirement. Until recently, good moral character evaluations focused primarily on identifying disqualifying factors such as certain criminal matters, drug offenses, fraud, and misrepresentation. The absence of these strict criteria typically resulted in a favorable determination.

New Totality of the Circumstances Policy

The recent policy memorandum establishes a totality of the circumstances approach for good moral character evaluations. Officers will consider not only disqualifying acts but also positive attributes and whether individuals have lived according to the standards of average citizens in their community. Positive attributes and contributions can include:

• Community involvement and contributions
• Family caregiving and ties in the United States
• Educational achievements
• Stable and lawful employment history and employment achievements
• Length of lawful U.S. residence
• Tax compliance and financial responsibility

Disqualifying Behaviors

USCIS officers will place greater focus on whether an individual has engaged in disqualifying behavior for moral character purposes, including activities that are either permanent or conditional bars to good moral character. Many of these are explained in the MurthyDotCom InfoArticle, “Good Moral Character” for Naturalization, Part 1 and Part 2. Officers also will examine other disqualifying acts that are contrary to the average behavior of citizens in the jurisdiction where applicants reside, even if technically lawful. Examples include reckless or habitual traffic infractions, harassment, or aggressive solicitation.

Rehabilitation and Reformation Considerations

A USCIS officer will examine whether an individual who previously engaged in wrongdoing is properly rehabilitated and reformed to support a finding of good moral character. Evidence of rehabilitation may include:

• Rectifying overdue child support payments or other family obligations
• Compliance with probation or other court-imposed conditions
• Community testimony attesting to the individual’s ongoing good moral character
• Reformation activities or mentoring others with similar backgrounds
• Full repayment of benefit overpayments (such as social security income)
• Full payment of overdue taxes

Conclusion

The updated USCIS policy shifts toward a holistic evaluation of naturalization applicants, considering both positive contributions and community standards rather than just disqualifying factors. This approach may require proactive demonstration of good character when applying for naturalization. An individual seeking assistance with this new policy or general naturalization requirements is encouraged to schedule a consultation with a Murthy Law Firm attorney.

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