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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced an update to the naturalization process that emphasizes a principle that has always been part of becoming an American citizen: good moral character.
According to USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser, the new policy is designed to ensure that America’s newest citizens not only embrace our nation’s culture, history, and language but also show that they are responsible members of society. The August 15 memo highlights that immigration officers will now look not only for the absence of misconduct, but also for positive contributions that applicants have made to their communities.
“Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen means being an active and responsible member of society instead of just having a right to live and work in the United States.”
– USCIS, Aug. 15 memo
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf
It’s important to understand that USCIS has always required applicants to demonstrate good moral character (GMC) before approving a citizenship application. This is not a brand-new concept. Applicants must show they have lived with integrity, followed the law, and demonstrated honesty during the required statutory period.
What’s new is that immigration officers are now directed to also consider an applicant’s positive actions—such as community service, military service, volunteer work, or other contributions that demonstrate responsible citizenship.
This policy underscores a broader truth: becoming a U.S. citizen is not only about the rights you gain—it’s also about the responsibilities you take on as a member of your community and your country.
“Good moral character has always been at the heart of becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes — it’s about showing that you are a responsible and contributing member of your community. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you present your positive contributions, address any past challenges, and build the strongest possible case for your citizenship application.”
– Mario Godoy, Immigration Attorney & Founder of Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers
For immigrants applying for citizenship, this change could be helpful if you’ve made positive contributions to your community. If you have been active in your church, volunteered at your child’s school, served in the military, or supported nonprofit organizations, these actions may now count as positive evidence of your good moral character.
On the other hand, if you have a criminal history or other legal issues, USCIS will continue to carefully evaluate whether you qualify for naturalization.
As an immigration attorney and an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges many people face when applying for U.S. citizenship. I am also a “crimmigration” lawyer, which means I combine experience in both criminal law and immigration law.
If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, even something you think is minor, it can affect your immigration status and your ability to become a U.S. citizen. USCIS officers will look closely at your record when deciding whether you meet the good moral character requirement.
If you are worried about how a criminal charge in your past may affect your application, don’t take chances. Contact my office for a consultation so we can review your history and protect your future in the United States.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important milestones in an immigrant’s life. At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers in Chicago, we help immigrants like you prepare strong citizenship applications and address any concerns about good moral character or criminal history.
Contact Godoy Law Office today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward making America your permanent home.
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Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
