In a shocking development, the federal government is poised to tighten the reins on citizenship applications, introducing stricter criteria that could drastically alter the naturalization landscape. The Trump administration’s new memo, revealed this weekend, expands the discretion of immigration officers to evaluate applicants based on a broad interpretation of “good moral character.” This controversial move raises alarms among advocates and potential citizens alike, as it could lead to increased denials for those with even the slightest questionable past.

Experts warn that the ramifications of this policy shift could be profound. Naturalization applicants—many of whom have spent years navigating the complex immigration system—may now find themselves at the mercy of an officer’s subjective judgment. Activities that are lawful but viewed unfavorably by the administration could now jeopardize an applicant’s chances. For instance, individuals who have participated in protests or have faced financial hardships could be unfairly scrutinized, despite their adherence to the law.

The implications are staggering. Legal scholars predict a surge in appeals as applicants face heightened barriers, with many potentially opting out of the process altogether to avoid the risk of denial and loss of application fees. The proposed changes to the civics test and English language requirements could further complicate an already daunting process, reversing previous efforts to streamline naturalization.

As the government prepares to implement these changes, the urgency for action is palpable. Advocates are mobilizing, warning that the new criteria could dismantle the hopes of countless individuals seeking to become American citizens. With the stakes higher than ever, the immigration community is bracing for a battle against a policy that many view as an outright assault on the principles of fairness and opportunity. The time to act is now—before the door to citizenship closes even tighter.