Trump Administration Enforces Stricter Rules for Green Card Holders Seeking U.S. Citizenship

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration is imposing stricter requirements for green card holders who wish to apply for U.S. citizenship, particularly regarding the good moral character (GMC) standard.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will strictly enforce the good moral character requirement for permanent residents applying for U.S.

citizenship. One of the primary requirements for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship through naturalization is the ability to demonstrate good moral character, according to USCIS.

Applicants are required to prove that they have maintained GMC during the five years immediately preceding their application and continuing up until the day they take the Oath of Allegiance. For spouses of U.S. citizens, the period is generally reduced to three years.

USCIS defines good moral character as conduct that aligns with the values of honesty, respect for the law, and responsibility. Certain behaviors, such as criminal convictions, fraud, or other unlawful acts, can disqualify applicants from meeting this standard.

Immigration officials also emphasized that an applicant’s past conduct, even before the five-year period, may be taken into account. This means that incidents occurring years earlier could still affect the outcome of a naturalization application.

The good moral character requirement is one of several criteria for citizenship, along with continuous residence, physical presence, English proficiency, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and loyalty to the Constitution.

Officials say the stricter enforcement reflects the administration’s broader effort to ensure that only those who demonstrate responsible behavior and respect for U.S. laws are granted American citizenship.