New USCIS Policy on Good Moral Character in Naturalization: What’s Changed and What You Should Know

Naturalization applicants, by law, must show that they have been, and continue to be, a person of good moral character during the statutory period, which is typically five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. The standard is measured by a preponderance of the evidence. In the past, meeting this requirement usually meant avoiding criminal issues, filing and paying taxes, supporting dependents, and maintaining conduct comparable to an average member of one’s community.

New USCIS Guidance

In August, 2025, USCIS issued new guidance instructing officers to apply a more comprehensive and holistic evaluation of moral character. The requirement itself has not changed, but adjudicators must now weigh not only the absence of wrongdoing but also the presence of affirmative positive qualities. These may include community involvement, volunteer service, caregiving, stable employment, tax compliance, financial responsibility, and evidence of contributions to U.S. civic life.

Officers are also directed to consider behavior that is not criminal but may still be seen as socially undesirable, such as habitual traffic violations or other patterns of reckless or disruptive conduct. This broader review has raised concerns that the criteria can be vague and subjective and could lead to inconsistent decisions or disproportionately impact applicants with fewer resources or less formal documentation of their positive contributions.

What This Means for Naturalization Applicants

For applicants, the new guidance means that simply avoiding disqualifying conduct may no longer be enough. Applicants, depending on their circumstances, may now want to consider bolstering an application with evidence that reflects positive character and community engagement. This can take the form of letters from organizations where the applicant has volunteered, documentation of family responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives, proof of tax compliance and financial stability, and records of steady employment or education. Applicants with minor infractions should be prepared to explain them and, where possible, show resolution and character references that place those incidents in context. Where past missteps exist, applicants should also provide documentation of rehabilitation and personal reflection to demonstrate growth and reform.

In Summary

While statute and regulations detailing the good moral character requirement have not changed, the new guidance announced in August 2025 appears to allow officers to instruct officers that they may require applicants to do more than simply maintain a clean record. USCIS now expects individuals to demonstrate civic virtue, responsibility, and affirmative contributions to society. Applicants who might previously have relied on the absence of problems in their background should now consider developing a stronger record of positive evidence to present the best possible case for approval. To schedule an appointment to discuss how the new guidance may impact your case, click here.