US Citizenship Test Becomes Harder with Expanded History Requirements

Starting October 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a significantly more challenging civics test for green card holders applying for naturalization, requiring applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from a pool of 128. USCIS officials, including director Joseph Edlow, appointed by President Trump, argue that the previous test was too easy and that the updated exam ensures new citizens have a deep understanding of American history, government, and English proficiency. Critics, including rights organizations and academics like University of Georgia’s Stephen Mihm, warn that the test's increased difficulty and complexity could disproportionately harm applicants with low literacy, limited resources, or older age, potentially creating inequities in the naturalization process. The oral test will also include questions on historical events such as the Persian Gulf and Vietnam Wars, while the government is intensifying scrutiny on applicants' moral character and background, including interviews with acquaintances, to prevent fraud and uphold citizenship integrity. Despite opposition and concerns about fairness, USCIS maintains that the changes are necessary to ensure that new citizens are fully assimilated and contribute positively to American society. This policy shift marks a tougher naturalization landscape that may impact immigrant communities nationwide.