The United States government is preparing to introduce a stricter citizenship test by late 2025, a move that could make it harder for thousands of Latino immigrants and other applicants to become U.S. citizens. This change is part of a larger push for tougher immigration rules that began in early 2025.
The new citizenship test will bring several important changes. The most notable is the plan to make the civics portion of the test more difficult. Right now, applicants must answer 6 out of 10 oral questions correctly from a list of 100 possible civics questions. Under the proposed changes, the questions will be tougher, and the format may shift from oral questions to a reading-based multiple-choice test. This means applicants will need to read and choose the correct answers, which could be much harder for people who struggle with English.
Another big change is the addition of a new oral section to test English speaking skills. This section will use pictures to help applicants show they can communicate in English. For many Latino immigrants, who often face language barriers, these changes could make the path to citizenship much more difficult. As reported by VisaVerge.com, advocacy groups warn that these new requirements may lower the number of Latino immigrants who can pass the test and become citizens.
Key Details of the Stricter Citizenship Test
- More Challenging Civics Questions: The United States government plans to increase the difficulty of the civics questions. Applicants will need to study a broader range of topics and be ready for more complex questions about U.S. history and government.
- Shift to Multiple-Choice Format: Instead of answering questions orally, applicants may have to read questions and pick the correct answer from several choices. This could be a problem for those who are not strong readers in English.
- New English Speaking Section: The test will include a part where applicants must describe pictures in English. This is meant to check if they can communicate clearly, but it could be tough for those who are still learning the language.
- Updated Study Materials: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will update its study materials to match the new test. These materials are currently available in several languages, including Spanish, but may change as the test changes.
Why Is the Test Changing Now?
The stricter citizenship test is part of a larger set of immigration changes under the current administration’s “Project 2025” agenda. Since January 2025, the administration has pushed for more restrictive immigration policies. These include efforts to limit birthright citizenship, speed up deportations, and end programs that protect certain groups of immigrants, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS are leading these changes. While they have not given an exact date for when the new test will start, officials say it will be rolled out in phases starting in late 2025. Latino advocacy groups and immigrant rights organizations are closely watching these changes and have raised concerns about their impact.
Impact on Latino Immigrants
Latino immigrants are expected to be hit hardest by the stricter citizenship test. Many face challenges with English, and the new test could make it even harder for them to become citizens. For Latino families, citizenship is especially important because it can help with family reunification and provide legal protections.
Advocacy groups say the new test could lower naturalization rates among Latino immigrants. They worry that more people will fail the test or be too afraid to apply. This could leave many without the rights and protections that come with U.S. citizenship.
A spokesperson for a Latino advocacy group explained, “These changes will make it harder for our community to become citizens. Many of our members are already nervous about the test, and now it will be even more difficult.”
Practical Effects for Applicants
For anyone hoping to become a U.S. citizen, the new test means more study and preparation. Applicants will need to:
- Learn more complex civics topics: The questions will cover a wider range of subjects, so applicants must study harder.
- Practice reading and understanding English: The new multiple-choice format will require strong reading skills.
- Improve English speaking skills: The oral section will test the ability to describe pictures and communicate clearly.
- Use updated study materials: USCIS will provide new materials, but applicants must make sure they are using the latest versions.
If an applicant fails the new test, they may have to retake it, which can delay the citizenship process. This could be stressful and discouraging, especially for those who have already waited a long time.
Background and Previous Changes
The current naturalization test has been in place since 2008. It requires applicants to answer 6 out of 10 oral civics questions and show basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills. In 2023, there were proposals to add an oral English section with pictures, but these faced criticism for being unfair to non-English speakers, especially Latino immigrants.
The 2025 changes are part of a trend toward stricter immigration rules. The administration’s “Project 2025” agenda aims to make it harder for people to become citizens and to limit immigration overall.
What Happens Next?
The new citizenship test is expected to start by late 2025 or early 2026. USCIS will release updated study guides and information before the test changes take effect. However, advocacy groups are already planning to challenge the changes in court and through public campaigns. They hope to stop or soften the new rules before they become permanent.
Other immigration policy changes may also make things harder for immigrants. Plans to limit birthright citizenship and expand deportations could add to the challenges faced by those seeking to become U.S. citizens.
Expert Opinions
Immigration law experts warn that the stricter citizenship test could reduce the number of new citizens, especially among Latino immigrants. They say that higher language and civics requirements may keep many from passing the test.
Latino and immigrant rights groups argue that the changes could hurt efforts to help immigrants become part of American society. They say that making the test harder will only push more people to the margins.
USCIS officials, on the other hand, say that the changes are needed to make sure new citizens truly understand U.S. civics and can speak English well. They believe this will help protect the value of citizenship.
Where to Find Help and Official Information
Applicants can find official study materials and updates about the citizenship test on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. This site offers practice tests, flashcards, and videos in several languages. It is important to check this site regularly for the latest information about the test.
Legal help is also available from organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), which provides guidance and training on naturalization and citizenship. Community groups such as Enlace Latino NC offer support and information for those affected by the changes.
What Can Applicants Do Now?
- Start preparing early: Begin studying civics and practicing English as soon as possible.
- Use official resources: Make sure to use the latest study materials from USCIS.
- Seek help: Reach out to legal aid groups and community organizations for support.
- Stay informed: Watch for updates about when the new test will take effect.
For many, the path to citizenship is already long and difficult. The stricter citizenship test will add new hurdles, especially for Latino immigrants. However, with early preparation and the right support, applicants can improve their chances of success. Staying connected to trusted organizations and using official resources will be key as these changes unfold.
Learn Today
Naturalization → The legal process by which immigrants become U.S. citizens after meeting requirements.
Civics Questions → Test questions about U.S. government and history applicants must answer to gain citizenship.
Multiple-Choice Format → Test format requiring applicants to select correct answers from several written options.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration and citizenship processes.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals → DACA, a program protecting certain young immigrants from deportation temporarily.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. government will introduce a tougher citizenship test by late 2025, impacting many Latino immigrants. Changes include harder civics questions, a new oral English section using pictures, and a shift to multiple-choice format, increasing challenges for applicants with limited English proficiency but helping ensure deeper civic understanding.
— By VisaVerge.com
