USCIS Confirms No Citizenship Without Good Moral Character

Key Takeaways

• USCIS requires good moral character for naturalization, assessing conduct over 3–5 years before application.
• Permanent bars include murder and aggravated felonies; temporary bars cover crimes like fraud, drug offenses, and unpaid support.
• In fiscal year 2024, 818,500 people naturalized; USCIS enforces GMC standards strictly amid high-profile cases.

On May 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made it clear once again: immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens must show “good moral character” (GMC) to qualify for naturalization. This reminder came after a recent case where an applicant with an active arrest warrant for larceny—specifically, Grand Theft Auto—tried to apply for citizenship. In response, USCIS posted a strong warning on its official social media pages, stating, “Applicants for naturalisation without ‘good moral character’ need not apply.” The agency stressed that U.S. citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and is only for those who respect the country’s values and responsibilities.

This renewed focus on GMC has important consequences for immigrants, legal experts, and advocacy groups. It affects who can become a citizen, how applications are reviewed, and what steps applicants must take to prove they meet the standards. Here’s what you need to know about the good moral character requirement, how it works, and what it means for people hoping to become U.S. citizens.

What Is “Good Moral Character” and Why Does It Matter?

Good moral character is a legal standard that USCIS uses to decide if someone deserves to become a U.S. citizen. It means the applicant must show they have behaved in a way that matches the values and laws of the United States 🇺🇸. This includes being honest, following the law, paying taxes, supporting family members, and generally acting as a responsible member of the community.

The requirement for good moral character is not new. It is written into U.S. law under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sections 101(f), 316(e), and 318, as well as federal regulations (8 CFR 316.10). According to these rules, applicants must show GMC during a specific period—usually the five years before they apply (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)—and up until they take the Oath of Allegiance.

USCIS officers look at an applicant’s entire record during this time. They check for criminal activity, financial problems, and other actions that might show poor character. If someone cannot prove good moral character, their application for naturalization will be denied.

Who Is Affected by the Good Moral Character Requirement?

The GMC requirement affects all immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. This includes:

• Permanent residents (Green Card holders) who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Spouses of U.S. citizens applying after three years of residency
• Military members seeking citizenship through special rules

No matter the path, everyone must show they have good moral character during the required period. This rule applies to people from all backgrounds and countries. In fiscal year 2024, 818,500 people became U.S. citizens, with the largest groups coming from Mexico 🇲🇽, India 🇮🇳, the Philippines 🇵🇭, the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, and Vietnam 🇻🇳.

What Actions Can Disqualify You From Showing Good Moral Character?

USCIS divides disqualifying actions into two main groups: permanent bars and temporary (conditional) bars.

Permanent Bars

Some crimes or actions mean you can never show good moral character, no matter how much time has passed. These include:

• Murder
• Aggravated felonies (after November 29, 1990), such as:
  • Crimes of violence or theft with a prison sentence of one year or more
  • Rape, sexual abuse of a minor
  • Drug or firearms trafficking
  • Money laundering over $10,000
  • Fraud or deceit with losses over $10,000
  • Alien smuggling
  • Document fraud
• Genocide, torture, or severe violations of religious freedom

If you have committed any of these offenses, you are permanently barred from becoming a U.S. citizen.

Temporary (Conditional) Bars

Other actions can block you from showing good moral character for a certain period, usually the five (or three) years before you apply. These include:

• Crimes involving moral turpitude (such as fraud or theft)
• Two or more offenses with total sentences of five years or more
• Controlled substance violations (except for a single offense of simple marijuana possession under 30 grams)
• False testimony for immigration benefits
• Confinement in jail or prison for 180 days or more during the statutory period
• Failure to pay child support or taxes
• Habitual drunkenness
• Unlawful gambling

If you have any of these issues during the statutory period, you may be temporarily barred from naturalization. However, if enough time passes and you show you have changed, you might be able to apply later.

How Does USCIS Decide If You Have Good Moral Character?

USCIS officers look at both positive and negative factors in your record. They review:

• Criminal records (arrests, charges, convictions)
• Tax records (to check if you paid taxes)
• Child support records
• Personal conduct (such as honesty in interviews and on forms)
• Community involvement (volunteering, helping others, etc.)

Officers have the power to use their judgment. This means they can consider things outside the five- or three-year period if they think it shows your true character. For example, if you committed a serious crime ten years ago but have since changed your life, they might still look at that crime when deciding your case.

Legal experts, like Ketan Mukhija from Burgeon Law, explain that good moral character is not just about avoiding crime. It also means being honest, responsible, and following community norms. Even things like not paying your taxes or failing to support your children can be reasons for denial.

The Naturalization Process: Step by Step

If you want to become a U.S. citizen, here’s how the process works, with a focus on the good moral character requirement:

1. File Form N-400

Start by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization online or by mail. Military members and those requesting a fee waiver must use the paper form.

2. Biometrics Appointment

Within about a month, you’ll be called for a biometrics appointment. USCIS will take your fingerprints and run background checks to look for any criminal history or other problems.

3. Interview and Exam

About 14 months after you apply, you’ll have an interview with a USCIS officer. You’ll be asked questions about your application, your background, and your moral character. You’ll also take English and civics tests.

4. Decision

USCIS reviews all the evidence, including your criminal, tax, and personal conduct records. If you meet all the requirements—including good moral character—you’ll be approved.

5. Oath of Allegiance

If approved, you’ll attend a ceremony, surrender your Green Card, and take the Oath of Allegiance. You’ll then receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Real-Life Examples and Stakeholder Perspectives

Legal Community

Immigration lawyers often remind clients that good moral character is about more than just avoiding crime. Financial problems, like not paying taxes or child support, can also lead to denial. Even giving false information on your application or during your interview can be a problem.

Advocacy Groups

Some groups that support immigrants say the GMC standard can be unfair. They argue that it can be used in a way that hurts people with minor offenses or those who have faced financial hardship. For example, someone who struggled to pay child support during a period of unemployment might be denied citizenship, even if they are now back on track.

USCIS

USCIS says the good moral character rule is necessary to protect the value of U.S. citizenship. The agency wants to make sure that new citizens reflect the country’s values and are ready to take on the responsibilities of citizenship.

Historical Background and Policy Changes

The good moral character requirement has been part of U.S. naturalization law for many years. It was created to make sure that new citizens would be trustworthy and responsible members of society. Over time, the list of offenses that can block someone from citizenship has changed to reflect new laws and social standards.

As of May 2025, there have been no major changes to the GMC requirement. However, USCIS has increased its public messaging and clarified its guidance, especially after high-profile cases like the recent one involving an applicant with an active arrest warrant.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Good Moral Character Requirement?

If USCIS decides you do not have good moral character, your application for naturalization will be denied. This can happen if you have:

• A criminal record with permanent or temporary bars
• Unpaid taxes or child support
• Evidence of fraud or dishonesty
• Other actions that show poor character

If you are denied, you may be able to apply again later—unless you are permanently barred. In some cases, you can appeal the decision or ask for a hearing.

Key Offenses Affecting Good Moral Character

Here’s a summary table of offenses and how they affect your eligibility:

Statistics and Trends

• Naturalizations in FY 2024: 818,500 new citizens, down 7% from the previous year but still 12% higher than before the pandemic.
• Top countries of birth: Mexico 🇲🇽 (13.1%), India 🇮🇳 (6.1%), Philippines 🇵🇭 (5.0%), Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 (4.9%), Vietnam 🇻🇳 (4.1%).
• Processing time: The average time from application to oath is about 14 months.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the good moral character requirement continues to be a key factor in naturalization decisions, with USCIS officers carefully reviewing each applicant’s record for any signs of disqualifying behavior.

What Should Applicants Do If They Have Concerns?

If you are thinking about applying for naturalization but are worried about your record, here are some steps you can take:

• Review your criminal and financial history to see if you have any issues that might be a problem.
• Consult an immigration attorney if you have questions about your eligibility or if you have a complicated case.
• Gather documents that show you have paid taxes, supported your family, and acted responsibly.
• Be honest on your application and during your interview. Lying or hiding information can lead to denial and even removal from the United States 🇺🇸.

For more information, you can visit the USCIS Policy Manual on Good Moral Character, which explains the rules in detail.

Looking Ahead: Policy and Practice

USCIS is expected to keep enforcing the good moral character requirement strictly, especially as immigration remains a hot topic in politics. While some advocacy groups may push for changes that allow for more second chances or rehabilitation, no major reforms are expected soon.

Applicants should be ready to show a clean record, responsible behavior, and respect for U.S. laws and values. Those with concerns should seek legal advice before applying.

Practical Takeaways

• Good moral character is required for all naturalization applicants.
• Certain crimes and actions can permanently or temporarily bar you from citizenship.
• USCIS reviews your entire record, not just the last few years.
• Be honest and responsible in all your dealings with USCIS.
• If you have concerns, consult an immigration attorney for guidance.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major step. By understanding the good moral character requirement and preparing your application carefully, you can improve your chances of success and take your place as a full member of the United States 🇺🇸 community.

Learn Today

Good Moral Character → A legal requirement to show honesty, respect for laws, and responsible behavior for citizenship eligibility.
Naturalization → Legal process through which immigrants become U.S. citizens by meeting residency and moral character criteria.
Permanent Bars → Crimes or actions that permanently disqualify an applicant from proving good moral character for citizenship.
Temporary Bars → Actions that conditionally block good moral character, which may expire with time or rehabilitation.
Form N-400 → Official application form submitted by immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS enforces good moral character to ensure citizenship is a privilege for responsible immigrants. Criminal and financial records impact eligibility. Knowing these rules helps applicants prepare and succeed in becoming U.S. citizens through naturalization, respecting U.S. laws and values during the entire process.
— By VisaVerge.com