Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard for Aliens Applying for Naturalization

Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard for Aliens Applying for Naturalization
On September 15, 2025 the USCIS released new guidelines defining good moral character (GMC) as it relates to immigration.
Before changes in the 1990’s, aliens could approach their citizenship hearings feeling somewhat confident of the outcomes if they could show no crime history, rehabilitative results, family status, volunteer activities and other positive activities. The policy later moved toward more of a mechanical process which looked at crimes and types of behavior and became almost a “checklist”.
Recent changes make moral character and activities more important, although some criminal exceptions still apply. Generally, immigration officials should now be making decisions based on facts, including worldwide criminal history AND behavior related to social norms, looking at pros and cons. A preponderance of the evidence now requires that aliens be assessed as to whether or not he/she has likely met the requirements of GMC and those factors will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
For more details, please access information at USCIS.