Naturalization Applicants to Undergo Broader Good Moral Character Review

USCIS has issued new guidance directing adjudicators to apply a stricter and more expansive review of good moral character (GMC) in naturalization cases.

• What’s Changing:

  • Officers must place greater emphasis on applicants demonstrating positive attributes (e.g., community involvement, caregiving, education, employment, long-term lawful residence).

  • Lawful but questionable behavior—such as habitual traffic violations, harassment, or aggressive solicitation—may now count against applicants.

  • Social media and online activity will likely play a greater role in assessments.

• Impact:

  • Applicants may face more probing interviews, requests for additional evidence, and longer processing times.

  • Greater uncertainty and potential for higher denial rates are expected.

  • Legal challenges to the new framework are possible.

Bottom line: Naturalization applicants should be prepared for heightened scrutiny of their conduct, both past and present, and may need to affirmatively show evidence of good character.