USCIS Director Proposes Changes to Citizenship Test

Joseph Edlow, the director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), has suggested a significant revision to the citizenship test for immigrants aiming to become naturalized citizens. In a discussion with Fox News Digital, Edlow expressed concerns that the current format of the test doesn’t meet the original goals set by Congress, which intended it to gauge the assimilation of immigrants regarding American language, culture, and values.

“I think this test ought to mirror both the letter and spirit of Congress’s intentions when the law was enacted,” Edlow stated.

He emphasized the importance of understanding English as well as American history and government. “The current version of the test is, well, somewhat simplified,” he noted. “It’s not that the questions are unworthy, but they don’t really encapsulate who we are as a nation or as citizens. With new citizens arriving, the process of becoming a US citizen is one of the most valued rights out there. Yet, it seems that individuals only need to memorize a limited set of questions to pass.”

Edlow also highlighted the need for citizenship tests to align with the executive order from President Trump establishing English as the official language of the US, referring to this common language as a crucial element of assimilation. “There are clear expectations from Congress that individuals must be able to speak and read English. As the President looks to formalize this through executive action, it underscores the importance of adhering to those standards,” he explained.

Currently, the citizenship test allows applicants to pass without necessarily being able to read, write, or speak English proficiently. Instead, many can simply memorize a series of questions and answers to pass the test.

For instance, in 2017, a woman from Southern California claimed she could pass the citizenship test without knowing English at all. “I didn’t think I could achieve this, but I did,” she said.