When applying for citizenship, it’s important to have character references that can attest to your good moral character and likelihood of being a responsible citizen. These references can come from professors, employers, or community leaders. In this article, we provide various character reference examples for citizenship that can help guide you in creating your own. You can edit these examples as needed to fit your specific situation.
Examples
Character Reference for Citizenship: Employer
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name], whom I employ at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. [Applicant Name] has been a reliable, hardworking, and trustworthy employee since [he/she] started working for us in [Month, Year].
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s positive qualities and contributions to the company.]
Based on [Applicant Name]’s work ethic and character, I have no doubt that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to the community as a United States citizen. [He/She] has my highest recommendation for citizenship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Citizenship: Professor
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing this letter to vouch for the character of [Applicant Name], whom I have had the pleasure of teaching in [Course Name] at [University Name]. [Applicant Name] is an intelligent, diligent, and responsible student who has consistently demonstrated exemplary conduct both in and out of the classroom.
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s positive qualities and academic achievements.]
Based on [Applicant Name]’s academic record and character, I am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to the United States as a citizen. [He/She] has my full support for citizenship.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Citizenship: Community Leader
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing this letter to endorse [Applicant Name], whom I know through [Organization Name] as a volunteer and active member of the community. [Applicant Name] is a kind, compassionate, and selfless person who has made a positive impact on the lives of many people in our community.
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s volunteer work and community involvement.]
I believe that [Applicant Name] embodies the values and ideals of American citizenship, and I fully support [his/her] application for naturalization. [He/She] has my highest recommendation for citizenship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Citizenship: Religious Leader
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name], whom I know through [Religious Organization Name] as a member of our congregation. [Applicant Name] is a devout, honest, and compassionate person who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to [his/her] faith and to serving others.
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s involvement in religious activities and community service.]
Based on [Applicant Name]’s character and contributions to our religious community, I have no doubt that [he/she] will be a responsible and upstanding citizen of the United States. [He/She] has my full endorsement for citizenship.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Citizenship: Colleague
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing this letter to attest to the character of [Applicant Name], with whom I work at [Company Name]. [Applicant Name] is a highly competent, reliable, and ethical colleague who has always demonstrated a strong sense of professionalism and dedication in [his/her] work.
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s positive qualities and contributions to the workplace.]
Based on [Applicant Name]’s work ethic and character, I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to the United States as a citizen. [He/She] has my highest recommendation for citizenship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Citizenship: Family Friend
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing this letter to endorse [Applicant Name], whom I have known as a family friend for [Number of Years] years. [Applicant Name] is a person of high moral character, integrity, and kindness who has always been a positive influence on those around [him/her].
[Insert specific examples of applicant’s positive qualities and personal characteristics.]
Based on my personal knowledge of [Applicant Name]’s character, I am confident that [he/she] will be an outstanding citizen of the United States. [He/She] has my highest recommendation for citizenship.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Compelling Character Reference Letter for Citizenship
When writing a character reference letter, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use a professional, respectful tone throughout the letter.
- Be specific and provide concrete examples of the applicant’s positive qualities and contributions.
- Avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims about the applicant’s character.
- Include your contact information in case the USCIS officer needs to follow up with you.
- Proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should a character reference letter for citizenship include?
A character reference letter for citizenship should include specific examples of the applicant’s positive qualities, contributions, and character traits, as well as your relationship to the applicant and your contact information. The letter should be addressed to the USCIS officer who will be reviewing the application.
Who can write a character reference letter for citizenship?
A character reference letter for citizenship can be written by anyone who knows the applicant well and can vouch for their good moral character and likelihood of being a responsible citizen. This can include employers, professors, community leaders, religious leaders, colleagues, and family friends.
Is it necessary to include the applicant’s immigration status in the character reference letter?
No, it is not necessary to include the applicant’s immigration status in the character reference letter. The letter should focus on the applicant’s character and contributions, rather than their immigration status.
Should I submit multiple character reference letters for citizenship?
You can submit multiple character reference letters for citizenship, but it is not necessary to do so. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on obtaining strong letters from individuals who know the applicant well and can provide specific examples of their positive qualities and contributions.
How long should a character reference letter for citizenship be?
A character reference letter for citizenship should be approximately one to two pages long, or 40 to 50 sentences. It should be concise, well-written, and focused on the applicant’s character and contributions.
What should I do if I am asked to write a character reference letter but do not feel comfortable doing so?
If you do not feel comfortable writing a character reference letter for an applicant, it is best to politely decline. It is important to only write letters for individuals whom you truly believe have good moral character and are likely to be responsible citizens.
Conclusion
Having strong character references is an important part of the citizenship application process. By following the tips provided in this article and using the character reference examples provided, you can create a compelling letter that vouches for the applicant’s good moral character and likelihood of being a responsible citizen. Remember to be specific, professional, and respectful in your letter, and to focus on the applicant’s character and contributions rather than their immigration status.