USCIS or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a new version of the naturalization civics test that will take effect in 2025. In a press release, the immigration authority said it has posted a Federal Register notice announcing implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test. The new test is part of the process immigrants must go through to become US citizens. It is aimed to measure the applicant’s knowledge of US history and government, as required by the law. “The 2025 test assesses an alien’s understanding of U.S. history and government in line with the statutory requirement and is one of many steps in an ongoing effort to restore integrity to the naturalization process and meet congressional intent,” USCIS said adding “Naturalization is a privilege that allows aliens to become fully vested members of American society, with important rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect.”USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said “American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation.” “By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand U.S. government and civics, are able to naturalize, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness. These critical changes are the first of many,” he added.
USCIS rolls out stricter rules
The immigration agency has also rolled out stricter rules, such as tougher reviews for disability-based exemptions from test requirements, closer checks on applicants’ moral character, and neighborhood investigations to verify eligibility. In addition, USCIS said that it is resuming neighborhood investigations to ensure that aliens meet statutory requirements and are worthy of U.S. citizenship. Other recent policies include clarifying that unlawfully voting, unlawfully registering to vote, and making false claims to U.S. citizenship disqualify aliens from showing good moral character.
