Trump Administration to Toughen Citizenship Test

The Trump administration plans to make the U.S. citizenship test harder. They argue the current version is “too easy” and allows applicants to simply memorize answers without truly understanding American civics.

Citizenship Test Too Simple, Officials Say

Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), criticized the test’s simplicity. He told the New York Times, “It’s very easy to memorize the answers. I don’t think we’re really complying with the spirit of the law.” Edlow called for changes that would better assess applicants’ knowledge and align with national interests.

History of the Citizenship Test

Before 2008, the citizenship test was random and inconsistent. The Bush administration introduced a standardized civics test requiring 6 correct answers out of 10 questions. Under Trump’s first term, the test expanded to 128 questions, with applicants needing 12 correct answers out of 20. However, the Biden administration rolled back these changes in 2021. Now, USCIS plans to reinstate the tougher Trump-era format.

Potential Changes to H-1B Visa Policy

Beyond the citizenship test, Edlow hinted at changes to the H-1B visa program. He criticized companies that use the program to hire foreign workers at lower wages, which can disadvantage American workers. Edlow emphasized that H-1B visas should “supplement, not supplant” the U.S. workforce, focusing on higher-wage, skilled applicants who benefit the economy.

A Tougher Approach to Immigration

Overall, the Trump administration’s immigration policies aim to tighten standards, reflecting the president’s hardline stance on immigration. By raising the bar for citizenship and visa eligibility, they seek to prioritize applicants who genuinely contribute to the national interest.