USCIS Tightens Citizenship Review on Public Aid and Support Obligations

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Memorandum PM-602-0201, immediately expanding scrutiny of applicants' financial history and family support records to assess moral character for naturalization.

While legally receiving benefits like Medicaid or SNAP does not automatically disqualify an applicant, officials will negatively evaluate cases where individuals deliberately reduce income or stop working solely to maintain eligibility. Similarly, voluntary failure to financially support dependents—regardless of whether they reside in the U.S., Cuba, or elsewhere—is a potential barrier.

Applicants must also avoid fraud by falsely declaring income or hiding assets that affect benefit eligibility. USCIS officials will review these factors even without formal criminal convictions.