US' New ‘Good Moral Character’ Rule: Flexibility or Tougher Barrier to Citizenship?

On Aug.15, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an extensive overhaul of its Good Moral Character policy toward naturalisation applicants. The revision is expected to change the way officers judge the suitability of certain individuals for citizenship by not only basing their judgment on lack of criminal intent but also on value contributions and personal conduct.

The impact of this new system is the reversion to the totality of circumstances appraisal, instead of a checklist (presence of criminal record), which was previously the main benchmark of the test by the GMC. The new rule can expose the applicants to a potentially higher standard of proving their civic responsibility and worthiness to become citizens of the US.

Key Changes in the Good Moral Character Rule

Here are the key changes in the good moral character rule

• Effective Date: August 15, 2025

• Who’s Impacted: All applicants for US citizenship, including those currently holding green cards, international students, and foreign professionals

• Policy Shift: Evaluation is no longer limited to criminal records—USCIS officers must look for positive traits such as community service, educational achievements, and tax compliance.

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Major Criteria Considered Under the New Policy

Applicants must show GMC during the five-year period before applying, but actions outside this period can also affect eligibility.

Why Is the Change Significant?

Previously, those with no criminal record would have been secure under the assumption that they would pass GMC standards. The applications will now be reviewed on the basis of the positive aspects, such as:

• Community leaders should provide letters of recommendation

• Volunteerism in evidence

• Provided vigorous civic engagement

• The regular payment of taxes and a good financial history.

• A salary and a stable family in the US

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The Role of Adjudicator Discretion

Under the revised guidelines, officers have wider latitude to interpret what counts as “average behaviour” and what constitutes positive contributions. Examples of potentially disqualifying conduct now include repeated traffic violations, harassment, or even aggressive solicitation, which are not always criminal but could be viewed negatively by officers. Adjudicators may request detailed explanations for any aspect of an applicant’s history that appears questionable, including records of legal but socially frowned-upon actions.

Expanded List of Positive Indicators

Here’s how various positive attributes can boost a citizenship application, according to the new US good moral character rule:

Preparation Tips for Applicants

To improve your chances under the updated US good moral character rule, consider these practical steps as you prepare your citizenship application:

• Record your Good Personality: Find people who know your good moral character as employers, neighbours and well-known people in the community.

• Demonstration of Civic Involvement: Show proof of philanthropic activities, membership in organisations or contribution to local organisations.

• Maintain a Clean Record: Take care of any prior violations (Trouble with the law, tax problems, etc.) with contextualization and evidence of reform.

• Write a Good Personal Statement: Stress on the point that you believe in the US values and state the reasons why some of your circumstances may be wrongly interpreted by USCIS.

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Naturalisation Rates & Recent Trends (Table)

In FY2024, 818,000 individuals acquired US citizenship, with Indians being the second-largest contingent.

Expert & Legal Perspectives

Many immigration lawyers and immigration policy analysts have termed the new measures as a double-edged sword. Although this has the best intent of rewarding people who take positive actions in American society, the ambiguity of average behaviour and the discretionary benefit adds uncertainty and fear of becoming a citizen. The advice of experts is that all applicants be proactive and create a significant portfolio of contributions.

• Aggravated felonies or violent crimes (permanent bar)

• Multiple convictions for DUI

• Drug offences, fraud, or misrepresentation

• Reckless driving or habitual traffic violations

• Failure to pay child support or taxes (unless corrected)

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Conclusion

The US good moral character provision has been front and centre of the debate in citizenship, and applicants are mandated to demonstrate that they are worthy of the rights of citizenship. When there is more officer discretion and focus on involvement in civic affairs, the individuals applying to become citizens of the United States need to be very careful in providing the plethora of evidence of the positive aspects and a clear record.

With the principle of the totality of the circumstances becoming a determining factor, it is necessary to understand and cover all the possible background facts so that the application can be successful. For detailed guidelines and official updates, visit the USCIS website. To know more about US policy changes, visit TerraTern now!