The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is reviewing and potentially revising the standards for both naturalization and high-skilled work visas, as part of an effort to emphasize stronger civic understanding and clearer economic contributions from applicants. Leading the initiative is Joseph Edlow, the newly appointed USCIS director, who has expressed concerns that the current citizenship test relies too heavily on memorization rather than a deeper grasp of U.S. history and democratic principles.
Edlow has indicated that revisions to the naturalization test are under consideration, with the goal of encouraging a more meaningful engagement with the responsibilities of American citizenship. Supporters of the effort argue that a more rigorous test could help ensure new citizens are prepared for active participation in civic life. Critics, however, caution that changes should not create unnecessary barriers for qualified applicants.
The naturalization test has undergone several changes over the years. A standardized version was introduced in 2008, requiring applicants to answer six out of ten civics questions correctly from a pool of 100. A revised version, introduced during the Trump administration, added complexity but was later rolled back by the Biden administration in 2021 to streamline the process and reduce procedural hurdles.
Continue reading on next page…