The naturalization test

Thousands of immigrants yearn to become US citizens in order to hold an American passport and have the same benefits as any other legal citizen.

The naturalization test is the last step immigrants must take to become citizens. In this test, applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency. This includes the ability to write, read, and speak basic English.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the entity in charge of reviewing these tests, giving the results, and conducting the naturalization ceremonies if applicants pass the exam.

It is important to understand that the test, apart from having an English proficiency section, also has a civics test, which assesses applicants’ knowledge about American history, customs, and culture.

If you need to keep up to date with immigration news, policies, and measures, our Blog section can help.

The USCIS increases naturalization test difficulty

On Friday, November 13, 2020, the USCIS announced changes to the naturalization test, which increase the difficulty and the number of questions immigrants must answer.

Let’s see the main changes:

• Previously, immigrants had to study 100 questions for the civics test and had to answer correctly 6 questions out of 10 to pass, which represents 60%.
• Now, immigrants will have to study 128 questions for the civics test and will have to answer correctly 12 questions out of 20 to pass, which also represents 60%.

These changes will be effective as of December 1, 2020 and the civics test will remain oral. Resources to study are found on the USCIS website, although, we also recommend for you to seek reliable help to properly organize your immigration case.

Do you need help with an immigration case? Contact Motion Law and follow the advice of experts.

Experts criticize changes to the naturalization test

Changes implemented by the USCIS in the naturalization test have already received multiple criticism due to possible repercussions and because it represents extra work for immigration officials.

For instance, an analyst from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) states that the increase in questions on the naturalization test could triple the time it takes applicants to respond, which could reduce the number of daily tests. She states: “These changes reduce the efficiency of this already struggling agency (…) The administration is adding hundreds of thousands of more minutes to these naturalization exams.”

Adding to that, dozens of activists also state that these sudden changes are another attempt by the Trump administration to reduce immigration before leaving office, after the US presidential elections, which took place on November 3.

Contact Motion Law for your immigration case

Starting an immigration process requires time and dedication, and it is important to have the constant accompaniment of experts to avoid a possible rejection by the USCIS.

Also, by following the advice of experts, you will choose the right process, organize the documentation correctly and submit your application in the shortest time possible.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.