Legal definition of “Good Moral Character”

“Good moral character” in practical life refers to a set of ethical and virtuous behaviors of an individual. In immigration, it is one of the important criteria required for obtaining citizenship in a given country. This may involve adherence to laws, good social conduct, and the absence of any illegal or unethical activities in the foreign citizen’s past.

In the context of citizenship application processes, host countries often require evidence of good moral character from applicants to ensure the integrity of their society and protect public safety. This evaluation aims to verify the individual’s background and ensure they are capable of obeying laws, contributing positively to the community, and sharing the fundamental values of the country. Authorities may review the applicant’s criminal record to check for any criminal history.

Applicants must demonstrate their good moral character by meeting the requirements set forth during the 5 years preceding their citizenship application. Failure to do so may result in immigration authorities of the host country rejecting the application or delaying the naturalization process. In some cases, serious or repeated offenses can lead to citizenship denial and even more severe consequences, such as deportation from the country.

In the United States, the assessment of Good Moral Character involves legal judgments. In this context, the relevant authorities consider several factors, starting with the honesty, reliability, integrity, candor, discretion, diligence, and mental and emotional stability of the applicant. They also evaluate the fulfillment of fiduciary responsibilities, absence of hatred or discrimination, commitment to upholding the constitution, and enforcing the law.