New Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard and Its Implications for Naturalization Applicants

Published: October 15, 2025

Are you applying for US citizenship through naturalization? In FY 2024, 818,500 individuals became US citizens during naturalization ceremonies conducted across the country and around the world. 

Demonstrating good moral character (GMC) is one of the long-standing requirements for naturalization. Its purpose is to ensure that the new applicant upholds the nation’s expected values and standards for US citizens. 

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy that changes the standards for evaluating GMC in naturalization cases. Below, we’ll explore what’s new in making GMC determinations and the corresponding implications for naturalization applicants. 

A Look at the New Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard

Meeting the GMC requirement is one of the eligibility factors for naturalization. Section 316.10 (a)(1) of Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires that an individual applying for naturalization have maintained a status of good moral character. USCIS identifies whether one has satisfied the GMC requirement based on each case. 

Historically, committing certain serious offenses during the statutory period before submitting the application could permanently bar you from naturalization. Typically, these include habitual drunkenness, false claims to US citizenship, and aggravated felonies. 

According to the recently issued policy memorandum dated August 15, 2025, USCIS officers must take a holistic approach in determining whether or not you have met the criteria for establishing GMC. In particular, the new GMC evaluation standard now involves the consideration of the following:

• Focuses more on how the applicant is a positive contributor to their communities, such as providing family support, complying with tax obligations, participating in civic organizations, and achieving a high level of educational attainment.
• Scrutinizes any act or behavior that disqualifies the applicant from establishing good moral character, such as a false claim to US citizenship, murder, unlawful voting, and an aggravated felony. 
• Requires evidence to ensure that applicants who engaged in any past wrongdoing have complied with proper rehabilitation and reformation, such as paying overdue taxes or fulfilling court-ordered requirements.

How the New Good Moral Character Evaluation Affects You

Since the new evaluation of good moral character takes into account the totality of circumstances, naturalization applicants have better opportunities to strengthen their case. Concurrently, the recent policy also presents challenges that applicants must consider, some of which are: 

• Expect a more comprehensive review of your civic behavior, standing in the community, financial history, or even in your social media and digital footprint. 
• Prepare for more rigorous requirements to submit proof of favorable factors, such as volunteer work, positive community contributions, and educational achievements. 
• Anticipate more extended processing times and a growing number of evidence requests from USCIS. 
• Be ready for a higher likelihood of denial, especially in actions or behaviors that might not have previously led the officer to deny an application. 

Ensure Compliance With Your Naturalization Application

The new GMC evaluation standard can give naturalization applicants a better fighting chance in demonstrating their true character. Instead of being confined to a checklist of disqualifications, USCIS considers the totality of circumstances. 

However, due to increased scrutiny of disqualifying behavior and positive contributions, seeking assistance from a Los Angeles immigration lawyer would be advantageous for preparing a well-crafted and holistic application. Initiate a one-on-consultation with ALG Lawyers to ensure compliance with your naturalization application.  

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