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The Trump administration is preparing to reinstate a stricter version of the U.S. citizenship test, arguing the current version is too easy and fails to properly reflect the importance of naturalization, according to officials.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is working to reintroduce a more rigorous test format that mirrors changes made during Trump’s first term. The revisions would include more questions and a new component to assess English language skills.
“The test, as it’s laid out right now, it’s not very difficult,” USCIS Director Joseph Edlow told The New York Times. “It’s very easy to kind of memorize the answers. I don’t think we’re really comporting with the spirit of the law.”
The current exam requires applicants to correctly answer six out of 10 civics questions randomly selected from a list of 100. It also includes a basic English evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of applicants pass the test on their first attempt, according to USCIS data.
Edlow said the administration intends to return to the 2020 version of the test, which included 128 possible civics questions and required applicants to answer at least 12 of 20 questions correctly. The revised test would also feature a speaking section where applicants describe images depicting everyday scenarios, such as weather or meals, in English.
Supporters of the change say it will strengthen applicants’ understanding of American civics and improve English proficiency. Critics argue the move could create barriers for immigrants with limited education or language skills.
The citizenship test has been modified multiple times in recent years. The 2008 redesign under President George W. Bush created a standardized version still in use today. In 2020, the Trump administration expanded the test, but the Biden administration later reversed those changes in 2021.
Trump has regularly highlighted the value of American citizenship, once calling it “one of the most priceless gifts ever granted by human hands.”
In 2024, nearly 820,000 immigrants were naturalized, according to USCIS. Since 2022, more than 1 million have become U.S. citizens.
Regarding the H-1B visa program, which has faced criticism for allowing companies to hire lower-paid foreign workers instead of American citizens, Edlow said in a Newsweek report that the program still has a role but should prioritize employers that offer higher wages.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees USCIS, is reportedly considering changes to the current lottery-based selection system. One proposed change would introduce a weighted selection process that aligns with Edlow’s emphasis on rewarding higher-paying employers.