The Trump administration has ordered USCIS officers to adopt a more holistic approach when determining whether to award U.S. citizenship to immigrants. The Friday memo from USCIS states that officers must consider not just disqualifying behavior but also whether those seeking to naturalize are in good standing in their community. The memo encourages officers to consider rejecting applicants with other convictions, such as drug use or driving under the influence, as well as conduct that may not be illegal but frowned upon, such as reckless or habitual traffic infractions or soliciting.
The memo also encourages officers to consider evidence of reform, such as compliance with court orders, payment of lapses in taxes, or community testimony from those who can assure their good character. It also encourages officers to look at other “positive factors,” such as sustained community involvement, caregiving or raising a family, education and career achievements, and paying taxes.
Those seeking to naturalize already face multiple steps to do so, including years of lawful presence in the U.S., compliance with U.S. laws, and passing a test on U.S. civics often conducted in English. USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser stated that U.S. citizenship is the gold standard of citizenship and should only be offered to the world’s best of the best.
