The U.S. citizenship exam is set for a major revamp, with plans to roll out a tougher version, echoing reforms from President Donald Trump’s first administration. Joseph Edlow, the new head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has criticized the current test—where applicants must correctly answer only six out of ten civics questions from a set of 100 which are pre-provided—as overly simplistic, encouraging memorization over meaningful education of American values.
The proposed changes could reinstate a more demanding format, possibly requiring 12 correct answers out of 20 questions, as briefly trialed in 2020. This move has ignited controversy, with opponents warning that it may hinder immigrants, especially those with limited English skills, while proponents argue it fosters a deeper understanding of U.S. governance, history and its values.
Immigrant advocates fear that the revised test could unfairly impact groups like refugees, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. A 2022 pilot program that tested a multiple-choice format and added an English-speaking component, where applicants described images, was abandoned in December 2024 after over 1,300 public comments flagged concerns about increased complexity and barriers for those with lower literacy. For now, the 2008 test version persists, but the drive for a more rigorous exam reflects stricter immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.
Stricter scrutiny of H1-B visa process, standards
The H-1B visa program will also be getting the MAGA makeover treatment. Edlow announced plans in July to overhaul the program, prioritizing companies that offer higher wages to foreign workers, and deterring the practice of utilizing foreign workers for cheap labor.
Edlow, in an interview with The New York Times, said the proposed changes aim to ensure the program supplements, rather than supplants, U.S. workers, addressing criticism from some Republicans that it undercuts American jobs.
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Author: Ray Hilbrich
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