USCIS Restores Holistic Good Moral Character Standard in Naturalization

It’s a significant shift: USCIS is restoring a holistic “Good Moral Character” standard for naturalization. Instead of just checking for the absence of certain crimes, officers will now weigh the totality of circumstances — including positive contributions like community service, family responsibilities, education, and tax compliance, along with any past issues and evidence of rehabilitation. This change allows applicants to tell their whole story when applying for U.S. citizenship.

What Changed?

On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0188, reshaping how Good Moral Character (GMC) is evaluated in naturalization cases.

For years, GMC’s determinations leaned toward a checklist approach: if you hadn’t committed certain crimes, you “passed.” Now, USCIS is returning to a comprehensive, case-by-case review. Officers are directed to weigh positive and negative factors, ensuring that applicants are evaluated on the full scope of their lives.

Positive Factors USCIS Will Consider

Applicants may now highlight their strengths and contributions, including:

• Community involvement and service
• Family caregiving and strong family ties
• Educational attainment
• Stable and lawful employment history
• Length of lawful residence in the U.S.
• Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility

Scrutiny of Disqualifying Conduct

The bars to naturalization remain unchanged. 

If you were convicted of certain serious crimes, don’t file for naturalization without consulting a competent lawyer. 

Rehabilitation Matters

A key part of this memo is the recognition that rehabilitation and reform can help applicants. USCIS officers are now instructed to look at evidence showing positive change, including:

• Rectifying overdue child support or tax payments
• Compliance with probation or court conditions
• Community testimony from credible sources
• Mentoring others or engaging in service to show reform
• Full repayment of benefits or debts owed

This allows applicants with past mistakes to demonstrate genuine growth and commitment to civic responsibility.

Why This Matters

USCIS maintains that this policy restores fairness and humanity to the naturalization process. Naturalization is more than a procedural benefit — it is a profound legal and personal transformation. The new standard acknowledges that applicants are more than their worst mistakes and allows them to present evidence of who they are today.

Our Take at Ballout Law

The naturalization process is the final opportunity for USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) to contact the applicant directly. The agency aims to verify the applicant’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship, and applicants should anticipate heightened scrutiny under the new leadership. While certain minor convictions do not automatically disqualify an applicant from naturalization, consulting with a legal professional before filing is crucial, as even minor drug convictions require thorough analysis. 

We assist clients in preparing applications that effectively convey their narratives, emphasize their positive contributions, address any concerns, and present the most compelling case possible under the restored standard.

Next Steps

The USA is your home; the best protection is naturalization. A green card, on the other hand, does not provide the same level of security. 

📍 Our office is located in San Mateo, in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, but we proudly serve clients across the United States. No matter where you are, we are ready to assist you.