US citizenship applicants must show ‘Good Moral Character’ as per new policy update

In a policy memorandum published on August 15, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stressed that aliens applying for naturalisation should demonstrate ‘Good Moral Character’ (GMC).

The new policy aims to improve direction for making GMC determinations and signals a return to a comprehensive approach.

“Evaluating GMC involves more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing. It entails a holistic assessment of an alien’s behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions that affirmatively demonstrate good moral character,” the policy read.

In the policy title, ‘Restoring a rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive good moral character evaluation standard for aliens applying for naturalisation’, the totality of circumstances has been stressed, which includes the absence of misconduct and positive contributions.

As per USCIS, “Going forward, USCIS officers must account for an alien’s positive attributes and not simply the absence of misconduct.”

What are the positive factors as per USCIS?

• Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States
• Family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States
• Educational attainment
• Stable and lawful employment history and achievements
• Length of lawful residence in the United States

Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States. 

Moreover, USCIS will focus greater attention on whether an alien has engaged in any behavior or act that

disqualifies the alien from being found to be a person of good moral character. Disqualifying behavior or actions include, but are not limited to: murder, aggravated felony, crimes of violence, persecution, genocide, torture, or severe violations of religious freedom.