The US citizenship test has been revised. Authorities in the United States are changing the citizenship test, and aspiring immigrants are concerned that the changes will jeopardize their chances of becoming US citizens.
The changes would be implemented in the future, but those with lower levels of English proficiency risk missing out. One of the final steps towards citizenship, the naturalization test is required for legal permanent residency.
Former President Donald Trump changed the citizenship test in 2020, making it more difficult to pass, but when President Joe Biden took office, it was changed back to its previous version, which was last updated in 2008.
As the US citizenship test was revised, the test was due for an update after 15 years, according to US authorities, and the new version is expected late next year.
In terms of changes, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services proposes that the new test include a speaking section to assess applicants’ English skills. An officer would show photos of everyday scenarios, including daily activities, and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos under the proposed changes.
Currently, an officer examines a person’s speaking ability during a naturalization interview by asking personal questions, but this is easier because the applicant has already answered those in the paperwork, and most people know the answers to personal questions.
Another proposed change would make the civics section on US history and government multiple-choice rather than the current oral short-answer format, and experts say the new test would be difficult because it would require a much more solid knowledge base.
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services stated in December that the proposed changes “reflect current best practices in test design” and would help standardize the citizenship test, but it clarified that a nationwide trial of the proposed changes will be conducted in 2023, with opportunities for public feedback.
It is worth noting that over 1 million people became citizens of the United States in fiscal year 2022, which is one of the highest numbers on record since 1907.
