USCIS adopts a new holistic approach to examining citizenship applications

Agents of citizenship and immigration services in the United States (USCIS) must consider the “positive contributions” of immigrants who apply to become American citizens in the context of a more “holistic” approach, according to a memo from the agency.

The new policy orders the USCIS officers to take into account the positive attributes of a applicant, rather than simply the lack of misconduct.

“Becoming a naturalized American citizen means being an active member and responsible for the company instead of having the right to live and work in the United States,” said the memo of August 15. “Among other eligibility factors, foreigners by applying naturalization must demonstrate that he has been and continues to be an individual with a good moral character (GMC).

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An image of an American citizenship test (Getty Images)

“GMC assessment implies more than a superficial mechanical review focused on the absence of reprehensible acts,” continues the memo. “This implies a holistic evaluation of the behavior of an extraterrestrial, adherence to societal standards and positive contributions which demonstrate the affirmative a good moral character.”

Candidates for convictions for severe violent crimes have long been prohibited from obtaining American citizenship. Friday’s memo expands the list of offenses to include drug use or two or more convictions for driving under the influence.

Agents are also encouraged to consider a conduct which may not be illegal but considered incompatible with civic responsibility within the community, in particular “reckless or usual traffic offenses, or harassment or aggressive solicitation”.

“American citizenship is the corporation of citizenship-it should only be offered to the best in the world of the best,” USCIS spokesperson Matthew Trageser told Fox News Digital. “USCIS adds a new element to the naturalization process which guarantees that new American citizens kiss not only the culture, history and language of America, but which also demonstrate a good moral character.

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Applicants for American citizenship sit before receiving their naturalization certificates during an official June 4 ceremony in Manhattan. (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty images)

“This memo guarantees that USCIS officers represent the positive contributions of a foreigner to American society, including community participation, achievements and financial responsibility rather than the absence of their fault,” he added. “USCIS will continue to restore the integrity of the country’s immigration system – in particular with regard to the prestigious privilege of citizenship.”

The memo also encourages agents to examine other factors, such as if candidates are involved in their communities, including family care or the elevation of a family, their links with the United States, the level of education, stable and law history, professional achievements and payment of taxes.

“The results of the GMC must go beyond the absence of disqualifying acts, it must reflect a real positive evaluation of which is the foreigner and the way in which they have experienced in their community,” said the memo.

Citizenship and immigration services in the United States have declared that agents must consider the positive contributions of candidates for the future within the framework of a holistic approach. (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty images)

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The White House referred to the questions of Fox News Digital on USCIS policy at the agency.

Immigrants who seek to reach American citizenship must already live in the country for several years and pass a civic test in English, among other requirements.