U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) signaled immigration authorities will focus on determining if an applicant has good moral character, per an internal memo. The move is part of a greater effort to revitalize immigration review procedures through a more holistic and comprehensive approach. The memo also encourages immigration agents judge applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Good moral character is legally defined term since the Naturalization Act of 1790. These standards aim to reward applicants that have spent considerable time in the U.S to be considered for citizenship. USCIS will use multiple different factors to determine if an applicant has a good moral character.
- Family caregiving
- Demonstrating financial and personal responsibility
- Having ties in the United States
- Educational success
- Long-term community involvement
The change may make it harder for applicants to qualify for U.S. citizenship. Applicants will have to display positive attributes rather than having no criminal record. Additionally, there are no concrete parameters on what defines having a good moral character. Whether applicants satisfy the requirements is mostly up to the immigration agents reviewing their case.
As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.