Overview

• USCIS issued an August 15 memorandum directing adjudicators to apply a more rigorous, holistic assessment of applicants’ good moral character
• The guidance explicitly expands reviewable conduct to encompass legally permissible but negatively viewed actions such as repeated traffic infractions
• Adjudicators may now weigh socio-economic indicators like employment stability and professional achievements when evaluating naturalization petitions
• Analysts see the change as part of President Trump’s wider strategy to tighten pathways to citizenship and restrict visa access
• Prospective applicants face heightened uncertainty and possible delays as USCIS implements its broadened discretionary review without clear timelines