In a significant shift to US naturalization procedures, the Trump administration has directed US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply a more rigorous and holistic review of the “good moral character” requirement for legal immigrants seeking American citizenship. The updated policy memorandum, issued on August 15, 2025, marks a departure from previous practices that primarily focused on the absence of criminal offenses.
What’s Changing in the Good Moral Character Assessment?
Historically, applicants for US citizenship – typically green card holders – were evaluated based on whether they had committed any of the disqualifying offenses listed in immigration law, such as violent crimes, drug offenses, or aggravated felonies. Under the new directive, USCIS officers must now conduct a comprehensive character evaluation, considering both positive contributions and non-criminal behaviors that may reflect poorly on an applicant’s civic responsibility.
Expanded Criteria for Evaluation
USCIS officers are instructed to weigh a broader set of factors when assessing good moral character, including:
- Positive indicators:
- Community involvement and volunteer service
- Family caregiving responsibilities
- Educational achievements
- Stable and lawful employment
- Length of lawful residence in the U.S.
- Compliance with tax and financial obligations
- Negative indicators:
- Reckless or habitual traffic violations
- Harassment or aggressive solicitation
- Technically lawful but socially irresponsible behavior
- Patterns of conduct inconsistent with civic norms in the applicant’s community
Applicants who have committed past infractions may still demonstrate rehabilitation through actions such as completing probation, paying overdue taxes or child support, and providing community letters of support.
Legal and Political Implications
The policy memo reintroduces a pre-1990 discretionary framework, allowing officers to consider the totality of circumstances rather than relying solely on statutory bars.
Broader Immigration Context
This move is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to tighten legal immigration pathways, including:
- Reducing refugee admissions
- Ending Biden-era humanitarian programs
- Increasing vetting of social media activity
- Imposing stricter screening for visa and benefit applications
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.