Green Card Holders Face New Citizenship Test as Update Takes Effect
Green card holders are now facing a more challenging path to U.S. citizenship due to an updated civics test implemented on October 20. This new examination requires higher passing scores and demands a deeper understanding of American history and government.
Changes to the Naturalization Test
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test requirements, marking a significant shift in the citizenship evaluation process. The changes aim to assess applicants more thoroughly on their knowledge of U.S. civics.
Test Format and Requirements
- The new test expands the question pool to 128 items.
- Applicants must now correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions to pass.
- The prior version required answering 6 out of 10 questions correctly.
- There is a modified version for applicants aged 65 and older who have been permanent residents for 20 years.
Implications for Applicants
Former applicants who submitted their Form N-400 before October 20 can still follow the old testing guidelines. However, those applying after this date will need to meet the new criteria.
Interestingly, not all 20 questions may be asked during an applicant’s interview. The examination process will halt once either 12 questions are answered correctly or 9 incorrectly. Failing the test twice can lead to the denial of citizenship applications.
Reasons for the Update
The updated naturalization test was introduced as part of broader immigration policy changes during the Trump administration, aimed at tightening procedures for citizenship applications. Experts like Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute voiced concerns that these modifications could complicate the process for many applicants.
Concerns About Accessibility
Funding cuts for civics education could further impact applicants’ ability to prepare effectively for the test. Both experts and proponents of the new test raise questions about its design and efficacy in measuring true knowledge of U.S. civics.
Final Thoughts
With the implementation of these new test requirements, the path to citizenship is becoming narrower for many green card holders. As the U.S. citizenship landscape evolves, applicants may find themselves facing increased scrutiny during the naturalization process.
