The Trump administration is moving to increase scrutiny on legal immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, signaling a broader effort to tighten access to immigration benefits, according to a new report by CBS News.
The outlet noted that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new guidance last Friday, directing officers to take a more expansive approach in evaluating whether applicants demonstrate "good moral character," a long-standing requirement for naturalization.
Traditionally, applicants satisfied this standard by avoiding criminal offenses outlined in immigration law, such as violent crimes, drug offenses, or habitual intoxication. The new guidance calls for a "holistic assessment" of behavior, community involvement, family ties, educational attainment, lawful employment, and tax compliance.
Officers are also instructed to weigh rehabilitative efforts for past wrongdoing and scrutinize conduct that, while lawful, may be "inconsistent with civic responsibility," including traffic infractions or harassment.
Factors taken into account will also include "acts that are contrary to the average behavior of citizens in the jurisdiction where aliens reside," including actions that are "technically lawful" but also "inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community."
In a statement to CBS News, USCIS chief spokesman Matthew Tragesser said the directive is another effort by President Trump's administration to "restore integrity" to the U.S. immigration system:
"U.S. citizenship is the gold standard of citizenship — it should only be offered to the world's best of the best. Today, USCIS is adding a new element to the naturalization process that ensures America's newest citizens not only embrace America's culture, history, and language but who also demonstrate Good Moral Character"
USCIS has been pushing to establish stricter oversight over the immigration process for months. Back in March, a report by The Intercept revealed that the agency is seeking to expand social media surveillance of immigrants applying for green cards, asylum, or U.S. citizenship, a practice previously limited to foreign visa applicants.
The agency cited national security and public safety concerns, referencing Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump on January 20, which directs "rigorous vetting and screening" of individuals who may pose threats or hold hostile attitudes toward U.S. institutions.
In addition to moral character evaluations and social media scrutiny, USCIS has announced during the past few weeks plans to reinstate a stricter version of the citizenship test, which critics say could create additional barriers for permanent residents.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
