Simplifying Naturalization: What is 'Good Moral Character' and How Do I Make Sure I Have It?

When you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you will come across a term that might sound a bit scary: "Good Moral Character"—sometimes abbreviated as GMC. This is a standard part of the naturalization process, and is designed to ensure that new citizens will be positive contributors to their communities. Don't worry! It is not about judging your personal worth or digging into every detail of your life.

In this guide, we'll break down what Good Moral Character means, what affects it (and what doesn't), and how you can demonstrate it.

What Is Good Moral Character?

Good Moral Character basically means that you've been a law-abiding resident who adheres to the basic moral standards of the U.S. community. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically looks at your conduct during the five years immediately before you file your application (or three years if you're married to a U.S. citizen).

Key Concept: Statutory Period

The "statutory period" is the time frame USCIS examines for Good Moral Character. For most applicants, it's the 5 years before filing. For those married to U.S. citizens, it's 3 years. Keep this time frame in mind as we discuss what affects Good Moral Character.

The statutory period is commonly referred to as the Five Year Rule, or the Three Year Rule if you are married to a U.S. citizen.

For more information, please read our guide about when you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Key Concept: Crimes & Offenses And Their Impact On Good Moral Character

Being charged with a crime or other offense can have a big impact on your ability to establish Good Moral Character for U.S. citizenship. Some crimes can permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character, while other offenses are only considered if they happened during the statutory period. Some offenses don't affect your Good Moral Character at all. While it's generally a good idea to avoid all crimes or offenses, it's a good idea to understand which category different offenses fall into.

Permanent Bars to Good Moral Character

In rare cases, a serious offense can permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character. Most applicants don't need to worry about them, but you should be aware of what they are:

Murder
Persecution, genocide, torture, or severe violations of religious freedom
Aggravated felony

More examples of aggravated felonies that permanently prevent you from establishing Good Moral Character

Murder, Rape, or Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Illicit Trafficking in Controlled Substance
Illicit Trafficking in Firearms or Destructive Devices
Money Laundering Offenses (over $10,000)
Explosive Materials and Firearms Offenses
Crime of Violence (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
Theft Offense (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
Demand for or Receipt of Ransom
Child Pornography Offense
Racketeering, Gambling (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
Prostitution Offenses (managing, transporting, trafficking)
Gathering or Transmitting Classified Information
Fraud or Deceit Offenses or Tax Evasion (over $10,000)
Alien Smuggling
Illegal Entry or Reentry by Removed Aggravated Felon
Passport, Document Fraud (imprisonment term of at least 1 yr)
Failure to Appear Sentence (offense punishable by at least 5 yrs)
Bribery, Counterfeiting, Forgery, or Trafficking in Vehicles
Obstruction of Justice, Perjury, Bribery of Witness
Failure to Appear to Court (offense punishable by at least 2 yrs)

If you have concerns about any of these issues in your background, it's crucial to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding with your application.

Temporary Bars to Good Moral Character

Some actions can temporarily affect your ability to establish Good Moral Character. The good news is that these bars are not permanent, and once the statutory period has passed (either the Five Year Rule or the Three Year Rule), you may still be eligible for naturalization.

Here are some examples:

Crimes against another person, such as assault with a weapon
Fraud against the government or against an individual
Theft and robbery
Forgery
Abuse of a spouse or child
Multiple convictions with a combined sentence of 5 years or more
Controlled substance violations
Two or more gambling offenses
Confinement to a penal institution for 180 days or more
False testimony for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits

Example: The Five-Year Rule

Maria was convicted of petty theft in 2018 and served a 30-day sentence. She wants to apply for citizenship in 2024—more than 5 years after her offense. Because she has not had any other legal issues, she has demonstrated that she has reformed her character, and she may be eligible for naturalization.

Things That Do Not Affect Good Moral Character

Many applicants worry unnecessarily about minor issues. Here are some common concerns that generally don't affect your Good Moral Character standing:

Medical debt
Most traffic violations (except DUIs or other serious driving offenses)
Being unemployed
Bankruptcy (as long as it wasn't fraudulent)
Political beliefs or affiliations
Sexual orientation or gender identity
Minor civil violations (like parking tickets)

New Concept: Extenuating Circumstances

Life is complicated. If there is something in your past that negatively affects your Good Moral Character determination, you may be able to show "extenuating circumstances". This means explaining the context of the situation and demonstrating how you've changed or improved since then.

If you think you may need to explain an extenuating circumstance, it's a good idea to ask an attorney for advice before applying.

How to Establish Good Moral Character

Establishing Good Moral Character isn't just about avoiding negative actions. It's also about demonstrating positive contributions to your community.

Here are some ways you can show your good character:

Obey all laws, including immigration laws
Pay your taxes on time
Support any dependents you have
Be honest in all dealings with government agencies
Volunteer in your community
Maintain steady employment
Further your education

Remember, USCIS is looking at your recent conduct, focusing on the statutory period. If you've had issues in the past, think of the past five years (or three years, depending on your situation) as an opportunity to show how you've changed and grown.

Conclusion

Understanding Good Moral Character might seem daunting at first, but remember—it's just one part of the naturalization process. Most applicants easily meet this requirement through their everyday actions as responsible community members.

If you have specific concerns about your background, it's always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique situation.

As you continue on your path to citizenship, keep being the great neighbor, colleague, friend, and community member you already are. That's really what Good Moral Character is all about!