USCIS adopts new holistic approach for citizenship applications review
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Emphasizes Positive Contributions in Naturalization Process
Immigrants applying to become U.S. citizens are now being evaluated on their “positive contributions” to American society as part of a more comprehensive approach by officers with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), according to a recent agency memo.
The memo, issued on Aug. 15, directs USCIS officers to consider an applicant’s positive attributes, rather than solely focusing on the absence of misconduct. It emphasizes that becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen involves more than just having the right to live and work in the United States—it also means being an active and responsible member of society.
The evaluation of an applicant’s Good Moral Character (GMC) now involves a holistic assessment of their behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions that demonstrate their character. This new policy expands the list of offenses that can disqualify an individual from obtaining U.S. citizenship to include drug use, multiple DUI convictions, and conduct deemed inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community.
According to USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser, the goal of this new element in the naturalization process is to ensure that America’s newest citizens not only embrace the country’s culture, history, and language but also demonstrate good moral character.
Officers are now encouraged to consider factors such as community involvement, achievements, financial responsibility, family caregiving, educational attainment, stable employment history, career achievements, and tax compliance when evaluating an applicant’s GMC. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive assessment of who the individual is and how they have contributed to their community.
This shift in approach underscores USCIS’s commitment to restoring integrity in the nation’s immigration system, especially concerning the prestigious privilege of citizenship. Immigrants seeking to become U.S. citizens must already meet various requirements, including residency, language proficiency, and passing a civics test.
The emphasis on positive contributions in the naturalization process reflects a broader recognition of the value that immigrants bring to American society and the importance of considering their overall impact when evaluating their eligibility for citizenship.
