Resting on the long-standing requirement to show that good moral character is needed to become a U.S. citizen, policy published in August 2025 now allows USCIS officers expanded discretionary authority when reviewing the U.S. Citizenship Application. Officers will be looking for general signs of bad moral character (anti-American ideologies, support of terrorist groups, antisemitic content in social posts, multiple minor criminal offenses without any explanation) to make a discretionary decision about citizenship eligibility. Additionally, they will note applicants’ positive contributions in evaluating their good moral character and evidence of such will favorably impact an applicant’s petition. The analysis will not merely be triggered by evidence of bad moral character but will be assessed for every citizenship applicant, a method that expands the analytical framework previously permitted.
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