Immigrants Must Prove ‘Good Moral Character’ to Obtain U.S. Citizenship
The Trump administration has tightened the rules for obtaining U.S. citizenship, requiring immigrants to prove not only that they have no criminal record but also that they demonstrate “good moral character.”
According to new guidelines from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), officials will now evaluate applicants’ overall behavior, adherence to social norms, and positive contributions to society. The agency noted that citizenship is not only the right to live and work in the U.S. but also evidence of becoming a responsible and active citizen.
The policy outlines that factors such as community involvement, family responsibility, educational attainment, employment history, and regular tax payments will be counted positively. On the other hand, crimes such as murder, violent offenses, abuse, genocide, or serious violations of religious freedom will automatically block citizenship eligibility. Repeated drunk driving, making false citizenship claims, or voting illegally could also result in disqualification.
However, corrective actions — such as paying overdue taxes or child support, or providing positive testimony from community leaders — may help strengthen an applicant’s case. USCIS clarified that officers will now evaluate the “totality of circumstances” when approving or denying an application.
Analysts say this move highlights that the Trump administration is not only targeting illegal immigration but also making the legal immigration process significantly stricter. Previously, the administration had also reduced refugee admissions, cut visa numbers, and introduced additional vetting requirements for applicants.
