Good Moral Character for Citizenship: Rules, Bars and Evidence
Updated November 1, 2026. Sources: USCIS.gov.
Not legal advice. GreenCardBlog.com is an independent information site, not a law firm and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm details on USCIS.gov and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.
Short answer: to naturalize, you must show you've been a person of good moral character (GMC) during the statutory period before you file, and up to your oath ceremony. USCIS decides case by case, looking at your record, your N-400 answers and your interview. Some crimes bar you permanently; others bar you only during the period. Source: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part F.
The GMC period
| Your situation | GMC period before filing |
|---|---|
| Most green card holders | 5 years |
| Married to and living with a U.S. citizen (spouse has been a citizen for the 3 years) | 3 years |
| Certain military service | Varies; see the Policy Manual |
USCIS can also look at conduct before the period if it is relevant to your character now.
Permanent bars
A conviction for murder, or for an aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990, permanently bars a finding of good moral character, according to the Policy Manual.
Conditional bars (during the period)
- Controlled substance offenses (with a narrow exception for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana)
- Two or more offenses with combined sentences of 5 years or more
- Being jailed for a total of 180 days or more
- False testimony under oath to get an immigration benefit
- Habitual drunkenness, illegal gambling, prostitution or smuggling
Other common problems
- Unpaid taxes or not filing required tax returns
- Failure to pay court-ordered child support
- Multiple DUIs
- Claiming to be a U.S. citizen or voting when not eligible
- Not registering for Selective Service when required
Some of these can be overcome with evidence of rehabilitation or by fixing the problem, for example a tax payment plan with the IRS.
Evidence that helps
- Certified court dispositions for any arrest, even if dismissed
- IRS tax transcripts and any payment plan
- Proof of child support payments
- Letters about work, community or family responsibilities
See the citizenship lawyer guide if anything on your record worries you.
FAQ
Can I become a citizen with a DUI?
A single DUI is not an automatic bar, but USCIS can weigh it, and multiple DUIs can lead to a finding that you lack GMC. Talk to a lawyer before you file.
Do I have to list arrests that were dismissed?
Yes. The N-400 asks about arrests and citations even if charges were dropped. Leaving them out can be treated as false testimony.
What happens if USCIS finds I lack good moral character?
Your N-400 is denied. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply after the period passes, and some offenses can also lead to removal proceedings.
General information, not legal advice. GreenCardBlog is not a law firm.
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