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Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025

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It should be obvious why the news from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that the agency will give be focusing more on applicants’ “good moral character” is problematic. First, it follows previous moves by the Trump administration to tighten and whiten the bottleneck of people entering the United States and to ramp up the number of people it can deport or order out.

But there’s another, glaring reason it’s problematic. Imagine doing everything objectively necessary to become a citizen of the United States of America and then being told you’re about to have your character assessed by an administration led by President Donald Trump. You might wonder exactly what you’re supposed to pass. Be honest or dishonest? Charitable or greedy? Neighborly or narcissistic?

The president was found liable of sexual abuse and defamation. The president falsified business records. The president was impeached twice. The president is a prolific prevaricator. Loyalty to Trump — and a commitment to parroting the lies that Trump tells — has become a prerequisite for some federal positions. Surely, no one with Trump’s track record could pass any legitimate test of moral character, but we’re supposed to accept his administration as the arbiter of who’s good enough to become a citizen?

This is a preview of Jarvis DeBerry's latest column. Read the full column here.

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