Naturalization just got harder

One of the requirements for naturalization is that the applicant must demonstrate “good moral character” (GMC). Traditionally, this meant the person demonstrates they were law-abiding. However, under a recent change of policy, a person must not only demonstrate the absence of wrongdoing but also positive contributions to society, making them worthy of citizenship.

According to a policy memorandum issued Aug. 15, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that “evaluating GMC involves more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing. It entails a holistic assessment of an alien’s behavior, adherence to societal norms and positive contributions that affirmatively demonstrate good moral character.”

In the past, USCIS equated GMC “with the absence of statutory disqualifications rather than the presence of positive moral conduct and character.” From now on, naturalization applicants must demonstrate why they are worthy of citizenship, including demonstrating “assimilation into a country that demands allegiance and character.”

In other words, not only must an applicant demonstrate the absence of misconduct, but also that they “are worthy of assuming the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship.”

According to this memo, “USCIS will place greater emphasis on an alien’s positive attributes and contributions in GMC determinations. These positive factors include, but are not limited to:

• Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States.

• Family caregiving, responsibility and ties in the United States.

• Educational attainment.

• Stable and lawful employment history and achievements.

• Length of lawful residence in the United States.

• Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States.”

If a person violated certain laws, they would have to have demonstrated rehabilitation and reformation, which could include paying all overdue child support payments, full repayment of overpayment of benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and full payment of overdue taxes, as well as community testimony from credible sources attesting to the alien’s ongoing GMC.

The bottom line is eligibility for naturalization will no longer merely include demonstrating you are law-abiding. It will require demonstrating positive contributions to our society and worthiness to be a US citizen. Perhaps the Trump administration was tired of people who, once they get their green cards, live off the taxpayers by applying for welfare, food stamps, etc., never work or pay taxes and possibly march and demonstrate and protest our American culture.

Given this new, heightened standard for naturalization eligibility, you should seriously consider consulting with an attorney, who could not only evaluate your eligibility, but also help you now present evidence of your positive contributions to society, demonstrating your good moral character.

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