American Loyalty Check” & Moral Character — New USCIS Rules You Can’t Ignore

Q: What’s changed — and why should you pay attention?

• USCIS has released a policy update directing officers to screen immigration and citizenship applications for signs of “anti-American” or antisemitic ideology. USCIS+2Ogletree+2

• They’ve also expanded how they judge someone’s “good moral character” — meaning they’ll look deeper than just criminal records. USCIS+2Boundless+2

• For naturalization, USCIS is restoring “neighborhood checks” (yes, interviews with your neighbors, employer, or coworkers) — something they largely abandoned over 30 years ago. Boundless+1

In short: your past, your affiliations, your online presence, and your daily life may now draw far more scrutiny.

Q: What exactly does “anti-Americanism” screening mean now?

• USCIS will look for conduct or public statements that “endorse, promote, support, or otherwise espouse” anti-American or antisemitic views. CIS.org+2Visa Lawyer Blog+2

• This is now an “overwhelmingly negative factor” in discretionary decisions — i.e. even if you check all the boxes legally, it can cause your case to be denied. USCIS+2CIS.org+2

• The policy also broadens social media vetting: more benefit applications will now trigger background and online screening for “anti-American” content. Ogletree+2USCIS+2

But — there’s a huge catch: “anti-Americanism” is not defined clearly. That ambiguity gives USCIS wide latitude to interpret things differently from case to case. Boundless+2USCIS+2

Q: What’s new with “Good Moral Character” in naturalization?

• On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued a memo directing adjudicators to use a holistic, “totality of circumstances” approach. They must weigh your positive contributions (community work, family care, education, paying taxes) and your past behavior. Immigrant Legal Resource Center+3USCIS+3Ogletree+3

• Behavior that was once ignored or minimized may now count: repeated traffic violations, harassment, aggressive solicitation, or other “technically lawful” acts could be interpreted as inconsistent with civic virtue. Ogletree+2Boundless+2

• USCIS also expects applicants who have questionable histories to show rehabilitation — not just apologizing, but providing tangible evidence of change. Ogletree+1

In effect, it’s no longer enough to avoid big crimes — you might be judged on how “model citizen” your life looks overall.

Q: What about neighborhood checks — are they back?

Yes — USCIS revived them. In its August 2025 update, the agency said it might interview neighbors, employers, or community contacts (or ask for their statements) to verify your character, residence, or attachment to the U.S. Boundless+2Immigrant Legal Resource Center+2

If you provide strong supporting evidence in your application, USCIS may waive the check. But if they ask and you don’t respond fully, they might force it. Boundless+1

Q: So… what should you do right now?

1. Audit your online presence

   • Delete or explain any social posts that could be read as extremist, anti-American, or endorsing violence.

   • If something remains, add context or affidavits explaining your intent or perspective.

   • Expect USCIS officers will click backward into older content.

2. Build a “good character portfolio”

   • Gather letters from community leaders, religious groups, employers, or neighbors attesting to your integrity.

   • Document volunteer time, family caregiving, stable employment, education, tax filing, etc.

   • If you’ve had past issues (arrests, fines, offenses), prepare to explain what you’ve done to improve and make amends.

3. Be ready for neighborhood checks

   • Let people in your circle know you’re applying and may be contacted.

   • Make sure their contact information is up-to-date.

   • Use testimonial letters upfront rather than waiting.

4. Don’t fly solo — get counsel early

   • These policies introduce more subjectivity.

   • A skilled immigration attorney can help you anticipate what USCIS might scrutinize and configure your application accordingly.

   • Especially if your background isn’t pristine, leverage legal strategy from the start.

Q: How does PKH Law Group help you in this environment?

• We’ll do a full background audit, including social media, affiliations, and record review, to flag and address any red flags before you file.

• We’ll help you package your positive story (volunteer work, family support, tax compliance, leadership) in a way USCIS can clearly understand.

• We’ll prepare you for and guide you through neighborhood checks or requests for additional evidence, so these don’t turn into surprises.

• If your case involves past offenses or grey areas, we’ll help you develop a rehabilitation narrative that strengthens, instead of sabotaging, your application.