GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
It is very important that undocumented immigrants prove that they are people of good
moral character.
Undocumented immigrants should gather documents proving that they have demonstrated
“good moral character” while living in the United States. While U.S. immigration law has
no clear definition of “good moral character,” the law does state that a person who has
been involved in certain types of bad or criminal conduct cannot be considered a person
of good moral character. If a foreign national cannot prove that s/he has been a person
of good moral character, then it is unlikely that s/he would be able to obtain a green card
through a legalization program.
How does someone prove that they are a person of “good moral character”?
An undocumented immigrant can prove good moral character by showing:
• parental involvement in children’s schooling;
• payment of income taxes;
• emotional and financial support of family, and
• involvement in community, religious, and/or volunteer organizations.
Immigrant men who are at least 18 years of age and who have not yet reached their 26th
birthday should register with the U.S. Selective Service System. The U.S. government will
look at whether the men registered with the U.S. Selective Service System in order to
determine their good moral character.
Involvement with the community, a church, congregation, mosque, or synagogue are
additional examples of good moral character. For example, undocumented immigrants
should register at their local church.
It is very important that undocumented immigrants prove that they are people of good
moral character.
Undocumented immigrants should gather documents proving that they have demonstrated
“good moral character” while living in the United States. While U.S. immigration law has
no clear definition of “good moral character,” the law does state that a person who has
been involved in certain types of bad or criminal conduct cannot be considered a person
of good moral character. If a foreign national cannot prove that s/he has been a person
of good moral character, then it is unlikely that s/he would be able to obtain a green card
through a legalization program.
How does someone prove that they are a person of “good moral character”?
An undocumented immigrant can prove good moral character by showing:
• parental involvement in children’s schooling;
• payment of income taxes;
• emotional and financial support of family, and
• involvement in community, religious, and/or volunteer organizations.
Immigrant men who are at least 18 years of age and who have not yet reached their 26th
birthday should register with the U.S. Selective Service System. The U.S. government will
look at whether the men registered with the U.S. Selective Service System in order to
determine their good moral character.
Involvement with the community, a church, congregation, mosque, or synagogue are
additional examples of good moral character. For example, undocumented immigrants
should register at their local church.
DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice. It is for
educational and informational purposes only. If
you need legal advice, consult a licensed
immigration attorney or an accredited
representative from a Board of Immigration
Appeals (BIA) recognized agency. An
undocumented person should not seek legal
advice from a notario or an “immigration
consultant” who is not accredited by the BIA.
educational and informational purposes only. If
you need legal advice, consult a licensed
immigration attorney or an accredited
representative from a Board of Immigration
Appeals (BIA) recognized agency. An
undocumented person should not seek legal
advice from a notario or an “immigration
consultant” who is not accredited by the BIA.
415 Michigan Ave., NE
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20017
202.635.2556
202.635.2649 fax
media inquiries:
e-mail
(202) 635-5810
2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20017
202.635.2556
202.635.2649 fax
media inquiries:
(202) 635-5810
NOTE: This webpage
was launched in June
2006 and continues to
be updated. Please
check the webpage
often for new
information.
Legalization Questions?
CONTACT Mirna Torres
was launched in June
2006 and continues to
be updated. Please
check the webpage
often for new
information.
Legalization Questions?
CONTACT Mirna Torres
LEGALIZATION PROJECT
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