USCIS Announces Potential Updates to the Naturalization Test
Monica Zafra • February 17, 2023
In December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published a notice announcing that USCIS would conduct a trial to update the current naturalization test which consists of four elements: reading, writing, civics, and ability to speak English. The Reading and Writing portions have been standardized, but the purpose of the trial is to test the civics component with an updated format and content as well as develop a new English-speaking component that could be the new standard.
This is in direct response to President Biden's Executive Order
called Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-americans/. This Executive Order includes a directive to review the naturalization process, so USCIS has been conducting reviews to improve and update the naturalization test so that it is consistent with industry standards.
The trial is tentatively scheduled for a five-month period in 2023 and will be assessed with the help of volunteer community-based organizations who will work with immigrant English language learners and lawful permanent residents preparing for naturalization. USCIS will seek out around 1,500 individuals enrolled in adult education classes to take the trial test and the Agency may use the results of this trial to support changes to the naturalization test.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
Monica Zafra
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