USCIS Updates: Policy on Assessing Good Moral Character in Adjudication of Naturalization Applications

The journey to U.S. citizenship is one of the most meaningful steps for immigrants. A key requirement for naturalization has always been demonstrating good moral character (GMC). In August 2025, USCIS released a new policy memorandum that changes how this standard is evaluated.

This update does not change the law itself—INA §§ 316 and 101(f) still govern good moral character—but it does shift the way officers apply the rule. Applicants now need to show not only the absence of negative conduct, but also positive qualities and contributions that reflect responsible and ethical living.

This post will provide a clear-cut breakdown of this change, what it means for your Naturalization application, and how you can best prepare for a more comprehensive review.

What Changed?

In the past, GMC review was often treated like a checklist: if you had no criminal convictions or statutory bars, you were usually presumed eligible.

Under the new guidance, USCIS officers must take a “holistic assessment” of your life. That means they look at the bigger picture of how you live, not just whether you avoided serious crimes.

Positive Factors USCIS May Consider

• Consistent tax filing and financial responsibility

• Stable and lawful employment history

• Supporting and caring for family

• Educational or professional achievements

• Community or volunteer involvement

• Long-term lawful residence in the U.S.

Positive Factors USCIS Will Assess:

• Community involvement

• Family caregiving

• Educational accomplishments

• Stable and lawful employment history

• Length of lawful residency in the U.S.

• Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility

Conversely, an applicant may be disqualified if they have engaged in:

• Controlled substance violations

• Multiple DUI convictions

• False claims to Citizenship

• Unlawful voting

• “Any other acts that are contrary to the average behavior of citizens in the jurisdiction where aliens reside”

Negative Factors That Can Hurt an Application

• Serious crimes or aggravated felonies (automatic bar)

• Multiple DUI convictions or controlled substance violations

• False claims to U.S. citizenship or unlawful voting

• Other conduct that shows disregard for civic norms and responsibilities

Special Note on DUI and Other Risk Factors

The new policy makes it harder for applicants with repeated DUIs or other issues to show GMC. However, it does not mean the door is completely closed.

USCIS officers are required to consider the totality of the circumstances. Evidence such as rehabilitation programs, proof of sobriety, a long period of lawful and responsible living since the incident, and strong community or family support can still weigh in your favor.

If you have such challenges, preparing strong evidence—and often seeking legal guidance—is especially important.

What This Means for Applicants

For most applicants, this change should not cause major concern. If you work, pay taxes, and support your family, you are already demonstrating positive character under the updated standard.

But unlike before, you should be prepared to affirmatively show these positive aspects in your application. Think of it as telling the story of how you have been a contributing member of your community, not just proving that you stayed out of trouble.

How to Prepare Under the New Standard

• Gather tax returns, employment letters, or pay stubs to show financial responsibility.

• Document family caregiving or dependents you support.

• If relevant, highlight community or volunteer involvement.

For applicants with past issues, collect evidence of rehabilitation and years of good conduct since the event.

Don't leave your naturalization journey to chance. Contact the experienced immigration team at WHK Law Firm today to ensure your application tells your full story and stands out under the new rules.