By Darius Amiri, Rose Law Group Chair of Immigration Dept.
The new ‘Good Moral Character’ requirement will mark a shift in how immigration officers will evaluate applicants for U.S. citizenship.
Instead of looking only at criminal records or legal compliance, officers are now required to take a totality-of-circumstances approach.
That means both positive contributions and negative conduct will be weighed together to decide if someone demonstrates “good moral character.” If this requirement is not met, it could result in a denial of an application for naturalization or possibly even a referral to immigration court to face deportation, depending on the factors leading to the denial.
What Officers Will Consider
Positive factors that can help show good moral character include:
- Community service and volunteer work
- Family caregiving responsibilities
- Educational achievements and training
- Stable employment and tax compliance
- Strong, long-term ties to the U.S.
Negative factors still include serious crimes such as murder or aggravated felonies, but officers will also look at:
- Multiple DUIs or reckless driving
- Drug-related offenses
- False claims to citizenship or unlawful voting
- Habitual law violations, even if minor
Importantly, this new policy also allows applicants to show they have learned from past mistakes. Efforts such as paying back taxes, completing probation, making child support payments, or engaging in community service can weigh strongly in your favor.
What This Means for Applicants
- Tell your story. Don’t just focus on the absence of wrongdoing—highlight the positive ways you contribute to your family and community.
- Be proactive. If you have past issues, show what steps you’ve taken to make things right.
- Gather support. Letters from employers, teachers, faith leaders, or community members can strengthen your case.
- Document everything. Keep records of taxes, employment, volunteer activities, and family responsibilities.
This new policy makes the naturalization process more personal. Officers will look not just at what you’ve done wrong, but also at who you are and how you contribute to society. For many, this is an opportunity to show a fuller picture of their life and commitment to the United States. Bottom line is this is another in a line of many instances where the stakes are heightened by this administration when it comes to immigration, and for these reasons, preparing a case with an experience attorney is more important than ever.
