New USCIS Policy: Good Moral Character Now Includes Your Daily Life

USCIS has announced a big change in how it reviews citizenship applications. If you are applying for naturalization, you need to know about this update.

What Is “Good Moral Character”?

To become a U.S. citizen, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Be a permanent resident for a set number of years

• Live continuously in the United States

• Pass the English and civics tests

• Show good moral character (GMC)

In the past, GMC was mostly about avoiding serious crimes. Crimes such as aggravated felonies, murder, or genocide would permanently block you. Other offenses like DUIs or drug violations could also cause problems, but many people still qualified if they served their sentence and followed the law.

What Changed in August 2025?

On August 15, 2025, USCIS released a new policy memo. Officers will now look at your whole life story, not just whether you stayed out of serious legal trouble.

This means they can consider patterns of behavior that might show irresponsibility or poor judgment.

Examples include:

• Repeated speeding or traffic tickets

• Harassment or aggressive behavior

• Unpaid taxes or overdue child support

Even if these things don’t seem major, they can now affect your application.

The Positive Side

The good news is that USCIS officers will also look at positive contributions. This can help balance out small mistakes. Examples include:

• Volunteering in your community

• Caring for your family

• Having steady employment

• Paying taxes on time

• Continuing your education

If you’ve made mistakes before, USCIS also values rehabilitation. Paying off debts, completing probation, and showing that you’ve made real changes in your life can work in your favor.

What This Means for Applicants

Good moral character has always been required for naturalization. What’s new is the broader review of your behavior — both the negative and the positive.

So when you apply for citizenship, don’t just focus on avoiding trouble. Be ready to show the positive side of your life and how you are a responsible, contributing member of your community.