“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.”
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, expanding how an applicant’s “good moral character” is evaluated in the naturalization process.
The policy, outlined in an August 15 memo, instructs officers to consider applicants’ positive contributions to society in a more “holistic” approach, rather than focusing solely on disqualifying factors.
"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," the memo stated. "Among other eligibility factors, aliens applying for naturalization must demonstrate that he or she has been and continues to be an individual of good moral character (GMC)."
"Evaluating GMC involves more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing," it continued. "It entails a holistic assessment of an alien’s behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions that affirmatively demonstrate good moral character."
Officers are directed to consider not only whether applicants have avoided disqualifying conduct, but also whether they are contributing members of society. This may include caregiving, raising a family, maintaining employment, paying taxes, educational attainment, career achievements, and community involvement. Additionally, officers are encouraged to weigh behaviors that may not be criminal but could undermine communal responsibility, such as "reckless or habitual traffic infractions, or harassment or aggressive solicitation."
"GMC findings must go beyond the absence of disqualifying acts, it must reflect a genuine positive assessment of who the alien is and how they have lived in their community," the memo said.
USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said in a statement to Fox News that US citizenship is the “gold standard” and should only be offered to “the world’s best of the best.”
"USCIS is adding a new element to the naturalization process that ensures America’s newest citizens not only embrace America’s culture, history, and language but who also demonstrate good moral character,” Tragesser said.
"This memo ensures that USCIS officers are accounting for an alien’s positive contributions to American society —including community involvement, achievements and financial responsibility rather than the absence of their misconduct," he added. "USCIS will continue to restore integrity in the nation’s immigration system — especially when it comes to the prestigious privilege of citizenship."
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