USCIS Director Proposes Tougher Citizenship Test to Ensure Commitment

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, announced plans to revise the citizenship test, arguing that the current version is "too easy" and fails to adequately assess applicants" commitment to American values and the Constitution. Edlow"s comments come as part of a broader initiative to enhance the scrutiny of citizenship applicants amid concerns over potential fraud.

In a statement, Edlow emphasized the need for a test that encourages critical thinking rather than rote memorization. He suggested that the updated test may include an essay requirement where applicants describe what it means to be an American. "Simply asking, "Hey, name two federal holidays," is just not enough," he said. The current test requires applicants to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly from a publicly available list, alongside demonstrating basic English proficiency.

Earlier this year, Edlow indicated that USCIS may revert to the test format used during the Trump administration, which increased the number of questions to 128 and required applicants to answer 12 out of 20 correctly. This shift reflects ongoing concerns about the integrity of the citizenship process, as Edlow declared a "war on fraud" and highlighted the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship.

Additionally, USCIS will resume "neighborhood checks," a practice not seen since 1991, and will implement enhanced scrutiny of applicants" "good moral character." These changes signal a significant shift in immigration policy, aiming to ensure that those seeking citizenship are genuinely committed to the ideals of the United States.