Demonstrating Good Moral Character

On August 15, 2025, USCIS published: PM-602-0188 Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral Character Evaluation Standard for Aliens Applying for Naturalization. Source. 

The following is a summary for adult school teachers and students in an ESL/Citizenship program.

On August 15, 2025, USCIS a policy memorandum that changed how officers decide if a naturalization applicant has “good moral character.”  Before, officers focused mainly on serious crimes. Now, they look at the applicant’s whole life, including both good and bad actions.

Officers look at negative actions, such as crimes, lying to the government, unpaid taxes, repeated traffic tickets, or not paying child support. Even if these things are not always crimes, they can still show poor behavior or a lack of responsibility.
Examples of questions include:

• Have you ever lied and said you were a U.S. citizen?

• Have you ever voted when you were not a citizen?

• Have you ever committed a very serious crime?

• Have you ever used or sold illegal drugs?

• Have you had more than one DUI?

• Have you ever acted in a dangerous or irresponsible way?

Officers also look at positive actions, such as working, paying taxes, caring for family, volunteering, doing well in school, and helping the community. These actions can show that you follow the law and are responsible.
Examples of questions include:

• Do you volunteer or help your community?

• Do you take care of your family?

• Do you have legal work and a steady job?

• Do you pay taxes?

• How long have you lived in the U.S.?

If you had problems in the past, officers will look at what you did to improve your behavior. You may need to show proof.
Examples of questions include:

• Have you paid all late child support?

• Did you finish probation and follow all rules?

• Do people in your community trust you?

• Have you repaid government benefits you should not have received?

• Have you paid all taxes you owed?

Different officers may make different decisions, and they may ask for more evidence if they need it.

In short: You must show not only that you did not break the law, but also that you are a responsible person and take part in your community.

Examples of helpful evidence:

• Certificates or awards from work, school, or volunteering

• Letters from community leaders or teachers

• Court papers showing you completed all legal requirements

• A short written letter explaining how you have improved and how you help your community

In conclusion, this new policy means that applicants must show they are responsible people in their daily lives, not just that they avoided serious crimes. Officers will look at both past mistakes and positive actions. Showing proof of good behavior—like letters, certificates, or completed court requirements—can help demonstrate that you are ready to become a U.S. citizen.