The U.S. Citizenship Test is set to become more challenging under new regulations introduced during the Trump administration. These changes aim to ensure that new citizens are fully integrated into American society.
New Test Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
Starting from October 20, 2025, green card holders applying for U.S. citizenship will face a revised civics test. The new requirements significantly increase the difficulty of the process. Applicants will now need to answer 12 questions correctly out of a total of 20 during their civics interview, a significant increase from the previous requirement of 6 out of 10.
Expanded Question Pool
The range of possible questions will grow from 100 to 128, incorporating many more challenging topics. While previous tests included straightforward questions about U.S. geography and history, the new format will emphasize more complex subjects.
- Example of previous question: “What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?”
- New question example: “Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?”
- Another new topic: “Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?”
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated that these modifications are designed to ensure that immigrants contribute positively to the nation. Applicants will also be evaluated based on their “good moral character,” requiring them to provide evidence of their positive contributions to society.
Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups
Advocates for immigrant rights are concerned that the increased difficulty of the test will hinder many from completing the naturalization process. Julie Mitchell, legal director of the Central American Resource Center, warns that these changes could disproportionately affect individuals with low literacy levels or those lacking access to educational resources.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow expressed that the previous civics test was too lenient. He emphasized the need for applicants to demonstrate a stronger connection to the U.S. Constitution and national values.
Debate Over the Need for Change
While some, like Amanda Frost, a professor of immigration law, agree that there should be standards for citizenship, they argue that there’s insufficient evidence to justify the new hurdles. Frost points out the contributions of immigrants to the economy, noting that many Fortune 500 companies are established by immigrants or their descendants.
This shift in the U.S. Citizenship Test notably reflects an ongoing trend towards stricter immigration policies, as the Trump administration seeks to reshape the naturalization landscape significantly.
