When you’re immigrating to the U.S., no matter where you’re coming from, the government requires you to have good moral character.
But what is good moral character, and how do you show the U.S. government that you have it?
While your Milwaukee immigration lawyer can give you even more guidance, here’s a quick run-down on how the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services looks at morality.
What is Good Moral Character for Immigration Purposes?
Good moral character, according to USCIS, means that in the five years prior to applying for citizenship, you must show good moral character. For the most part, this means you cannot have criminal convictions during this time period; you also cannot have committed any act of moral turpitude.
Your reputation within your community can also affect whether you’re deemed to have good moral character, too.
What is Moral Turpitude?
There are a number of actions—not all crimes—that constitute moral turpitude. Any act or behavior that violates a community’s accepted moral standards can count as moral turpitude. Naturally, most crimes apply. However, moral turpitude can also include:
- Adultery that tended to destroy an existing marriage
- Bigamy
- Blackmail
- Incest
- Lewdness
- Perjury
- Smuggling in aliens
If you’re not sure whether the USCIS would consider you to be of “good moral character,” it’s a good idea to ask your Milwaukee immigration lawyer. He or she can provide you with guidance and, if necessary, tell you how to show USCIS that you do have good moral character.
Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Lawyer?
If you have questions about the immigration process that only an attorney can answer, give us a call at 414-383-6700. If it’s easier, get in touch with us online to set up an appointment. We’ll be glad to help.
