Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has introduced a controversial proposal that could significantly reshape the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced new criteria expanding the definition of “Good Moral Character” (GMC), a legal requirement for naturalization.
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Currently, applicants for U.S. citizenship must demonstrate “Good Moral Character” over a specific period, typically five years. The new rule seeks to broaden what may disqualify an applicant, introducing non-criminal behaviors and personal circumstances as potential barriers. Under the DHS proposal, factors that could disqualify immigrants include:
- Overstaying a visa beyond its authorized period.
- Becoming pregnant as a teenager.
- Engaging in vagrancy or begging.
- Being labeled a “public charge.”
- Living in poor sanitary conditions or having inadequate personal hygiene.
Why the Rule Change Matters
The administration argues that the new criteria will ensure only individuals with strong moral and social values are granted U.S. citizenship. Critics, however, contend that the rule disproportionately targets immigrants from low-income backgrounds and could create unjust barriers to naturalization. Immigration advocates warn that subjective measures like hygiene or poverty risk institutionalizing discrimination.
How the Rule Will Be Implemented
The proposed regulation has been released as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). It will first appear in the Federal Register, triggering a period of public comment. During this time, civil society groups, immigration attorneys, and the general public may submit feedback. After this process, the DHS could revise or finalize the rule.
Timeline of the Proposed Policy
The policy was announced on August 19, 2025. If adopted, it could take effect later in 2025 or early 2026, following the completion of the regulatory review process. Until then, the existing standards of “Good Moral Character” remain in place.
National Impact of the Rule
If finalized, the new rule would affect all individuals applying for naturalization across the United States. Legal experts believe it could increase the number of denials, particularly for immigrants with vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. The DHS maintains that the rule is meant to safeguard the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
Reactions and Criticism
The proposal has already sparked heated debate in Washington and beyond. Immigration rights organizations denounce the changes as discriminatory, arguing that poverty or personal circumstances should not be equated with moral failure. Meanwhile, supporters of the administration’s policy claim that stricter rules are necessary to protect the values of American society.
The coming weeks will reveal whether public opposition can influence the DHS during the comment period or if the administration will move forward with its stricter interpretation of “Good Moral Character.”
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