Trump Administration Proposes Tougher U.S. Citizenship Test, Including Essay and Stricter Moral Character Review
U.S. Citizenship test / Grok AI
The Trump administration is preparing to introduce a more rigorous version of the U.S. citizenship test, according to Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in an interview with Axios.
Edlow expressed concerns that the current version of the test is too easy, and said the agency is aiming to implement a more standardized assessment. “Ultimately, what I’d like to see is moving to a standardized test where an applicant goes beforehand to a testing center, answers the questions—we’ll get a sense of whether they understand what’s going on,” he said.
Proposed revisions may include the addition of an essay component, as well as stricter scrutiny of applicants’ moral character. “In terms of looking at good moral character, there are a lot of factors. And it’s absolutely not a clear black-and-white line as to what is or is not considered good moral character,” Edlow noted. He added that USCIS adjudicators would receive additional guidance on what to consider during evaluations.
The agency hopes to roll out the new test format within the next year.
USCIS, which handles most immigration-related processes such as visas, work permits, green cards, and naturalization applications, has already reinstated the 2020 version of the civics test—a version originally introduced during the Trump administration but later replaced under President Biden.
“We are a law enforcement agency,” Edlow said. “We are making a law enforcement decision when it comes to immigration enforcement; that is what we are trying to do.”
Immigration advocates have raised concerns about the proposed changes, arguing they could create additional barriers for eligible immigrants seeking citizenship.
To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, applicants must typically hold a green card for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate continuous residence and good moral character, and pass English and civics exams covering U.S. history and government. They must also complete an interview and take the Oath of Allegiance at an official ceremony.
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