(Nexstar) – The U.S. is initiating a “multi-step overhaul” of its naturalization process, as revealed on Wednesday.
Naturalization tests have been around in various forms since the early 1900s, undergoing several changes over the years. USCIS mentioned that the test has now been standardized, and a list of potential questions is published for study. Notably, while the questions aren’t multiple-choice, some can have multiple correct answers.
The updated 2025 Natural Civics test will see the potential questions increase from 100 to 128. Applicants will now need to answer 20 questions instead of the previous 10, and the passing criteria have shifted from six correct answers out of ten to twelve out of twenty.
New test questions include topics like the significance of Dwight Eisenhower, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and the Federalist Papers. There are also fresh queries concerning state rights. USCIS noted that roughly 75% of the questions remain the same or similar, with around 25% being new content.
The test will still be administered orally by officers during citizenship interviews.
This version of the citizenship test isn’t entirely new; it was attempted in 2020, but its longer format lasted only five months. Under the Biden administration, the agency reverted to a shorter version of the test since 2008, amid concerns that the enhanced version would create barriers to naturalization.
However, USCIS has expressed that such concerns are unfounded. USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser stated, “American citizenship is the world’s most sacred citizenship and should only be reserved for aliens who fully embrace our values and principles as a nation.” He added that ensuring applicants meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to understand English and the U.S. government, helps guarantee that newcomers contribute positively to America.
This week’s changes effectively restore elements from the 2020 test, with one key difference: officers will now only ask the necessary number of questions to determine whether an applicant passes or fails. Previously, all 20 questions had to be asked, even if it was evident that the applicant was struggling.
Tragesser mentioned that the lengthening of the citizenship tests is just one of “many many” adjustments being made to the naturalization process, with more details expected to follow in the coming weeks and months.
