US Citizenship Applicants to Be Screened for ‘Anti-Americanism’
The Trump administration has introduced stricter guidelines for evaluating U.S. citizenship applications, directing immigration officials to take a broader look at an applicant’s character. According to a memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), officers are now instructed to conduct a more “rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive” review of an applicant’s moral character, the Washington Post reports.
Instead of focusing solely on criminal history, officials will assess factors such as behavior, alignment with societal norms, and contributions to the community. The Associated Press notes that applicants will also be screened for signs of “anti-Americanism,” although the term remains undefined.
Experts say this shift introduces more subjectivity into the naturalization process. Jane Lopez, a citizenship policy scholar at Brigham Young University, explains that while the concept of “good moral character” isn’t new, the updated guidance gives officers greater discretion—potentially making it more difficult for applicants to gain citizenship.
The memo encourages officers to look for “positive attributes,” which might include family responsibilities, community engagement, and educational accomplishments. USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser defended the move, saying it ensures citizenship is granted to “the world’s best of the best,” emphasizing societal contributions over the absence of wrongdoing.
However, some legal scholars, including UC Davis law professor Gabriel J. Chin, warn that the new standards could lead to arbitrary decisions and set a bar higher than what many U.S.-born citizens could meet. There are also questions about the constitutionality of the guidelines, particularly whether they infringe on the First Amendment rights of non-citizens.
The policy update comes amid broader immigration restrictions under Trump’s second term, which include heightened deportations, tighter asylum rules, and expanded enforcement efforts.
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