Thinking about applying for US citizenship? You might want to take a closer look at the updated rules. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made significant changes to how they assess one key requirement for naturalization: good moral character.
But what does that really mean? And how could it affect your path to becoming an American citizen? In this post, we’ll break it all down so you know exactly where you stand.
Why Is 'Good Moral Character' So Important?
Before you can become a U.S. citizen, you need to meet several conditions like living in the country for a certain number of years, passing a civics test, and showing that you’re a person of good moral character (often referred to as GMC).
But here’s the tricky part: that last one — good moral character — can be kind of subjective. It’s not as easy to define as, say, your residency status or whether you’ve filed your taxes.
So what exactly counts as “good moral character” in the eyes of USCIS?
Some things that can cause problems include:
- Criminal activity, even minor offenses
- Failure to pay taxes or support dependents
- Dishonest behavior, like lying to immigration officers
- Drug use or abuse of alcohol
- Past immigration violations
Under the new policy, these things are coming under even closer review.
What Changed Under the Trump Administration?
The Trump administration introduced a new USCIS policy that expanded how the agency evaluates moral character. While the idea of GMC has always been part of immigration law, these updates mean stricter checks and a wider look into an applicant’s history.
Here’s what’s different:
- The government can now deny citizenship based on behavior that isn’t officially labeled a crime but is still considered morally questionable.
- Even actions outside the standard five-year review period can now affect your case if they’re seen as ongoing or especially serious.
- Behaviors that seem minor — like traffic violations or issues with child support — might raise red flags.
This means immigration officials have more discretion (or decision-making power) than ever before.
What Can Applicants Do to Improve Their Chances?
If you’re planning to apply for US citizenship, you’re probably wondering: how can I make sure I meet these expectations around moral character?
Start with this checklist:
- Stay out of legal trouble: Avoid any kind of criminal activity—even small infractions.
- Be honest on your application: Don’t lie or cover up past mistakes. USCIS takes misrepresentation very seriously.
- Pay your taxes: Make sure your tax payments are up to date. File on time and keep records.
- Fulfill financial obligations: This means child support, alimony, and any other financial responsibilities.
- Document your community involvement: Volunteering, helping neighbors, or being active in local groups can work in your favor.
Need help? Consider speaking with an immigration attorney who can guide you through the process step-by-step. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially under stricter policies.
Could These Rules Change Again?
In the world of immigration, change is constant. Policies often shift depending on who’s in office and the national mood around immigration.
The good news? Many immigration advocates are working hard to make the system more fair and balanced. While the Trump-era policy made the path to citizenship tougher, it’s possible that future administrations might ease these guidelines.
Keeping up with the latest updates from USCIS is key. Sign up for alerts or follow reputable immigration news sources so you’re always in the loop.
How Does This Affect the Bigger Picture?
Some critics argue that the “good moral character” rule is being used unfairly—especially against people from certain backgrounds. They say it leaves too much room for interpretation and isn’t applied evenly.
Others believe the stricter rules will encourage better behavior and protect the integrity of U.S. citizenship. It’s a heated debate, and one that affects thousands of hopeful immigrants each year.