Calling US citizenship a privilege “reserved for the best of the best,” the Trump administration has announced sweeping changes to the naturalization process, making it significantly harder for legal immigrants to qualify. The revised policy, unveiled by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday, broadens the long-standing “good moral character” requirement and introduces ideological screenings for signs of “anti-Americanism.”
Under the updated guidelines, USCIS officers are directed to conduct a “holistic assessment” of applicants, evaluating not only legal records but also personal behavior, community ties, and adherence to societal norms. Factors such as caregiving, education, steady employment, tax compliance, and community involvement will be weighed alongside even minor infractions, such as reckless driving or aggressive behavior, which could now count against an applicant.
USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser described US citizenship as “the gold standard of citizenship,” emphasizing that it should be granted only to individuals who embrace American culture, history, and language, while demonstrating good moral character. Officers are also instructed to give “greater scrutiny” to conduct that, while not criminal, may suggest poor character, while considering evidence of rehabilitation such as probation completion or community support letters.
In parallel, the administration is rolling out ideological screenings to determine whether applicants have “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused” anti-American, antisemitic, or terrorist views. Critics warn that the lack of a clear definition for “anti-Americanism” raises concerns about arbitrary enforcement.
These changes form part of a broader effort to restrict legal immigration pathways, alongside reduced refugee admissions, tighter visa programs, enhanced vetting measures, and expanded social media reviews. According to USCIS data, between 600,000 and 1 million immigrants become US citizens each year.
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