- Current law requires applicants for naturalization to demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English, along with knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a framework and standard for meeting citizenship education requirements, which includes allowing third-party test administration.
- DHS is expected to publish a formal notice of proposed rulemaking in December, which will undergo a public comment period before any final regulations can take effect.
- The proposal comes amid intensified denaturalization efforts, including a Justice Department initiative targeting 25 naturalized citizens accused of securing citizenship through fraud.
- The proposed rule aims to enhance the integrity of the naturalization test while promoting the assimilation of lawful immigrants into the United States.
- DHS has not yet outlined how the revised testing system would work or the projected costs and implementation timeline.
- In fiscal year 2024, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalized approximately 818,500 people, with nearly 8 million immigrants becoming US citizens over the past decade.
- The proposal also considers allowing third parties to administer the naturalization exam, which could provide more flexibility in how the tests are conducted.
The Trump administration's proposed changes to the citizenship test could significantly impact the naturalization process for hundreds of thousands of immigrants each year. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to introduce new educational standards and allow third-party administration of the exam, enhancing the integrity of the process.25
Under current law, applicants must demonstrate basic English skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government. However, DHS notes that existing regulations lack specifics on how to meet educational requirements. The proposed rule seeks to establish a clear framework for these standards, promoting lawful immigrants' assimilation and fostering a unified American identity.1
DHS is expected to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in December, with any changes subject to public comment before finalization. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalized approximately 818,500 people in fiscal year 2024, with nearly 8 million immigrants becoming U.S. citizens over the past decade. The success rate for the naturalization test is high, with 89.7% of applicants passing on their first attempt and 94.4% after re-examinations.7
Immigration attorney Gabriella Walsh remarked that the proposal could significantly reshape the naturalization process, emphasizing that immigration policy continues to evolve beyond visas and border enforcement. The changes also coincide with intensified efforts to revoke citizenship obtained through fraud, marking a notable shift in the administration's approach to immigration policy.
The proposed changes follow a previous civics exam introduced during Trump's first term, which was later scrapped by the Biden administration. The administration's focus on denaturalization has increased, with the Justice Department recently announcing the largest coordinated effort in U.S. history targeting 25 naturalized citizens accused of fraud.
“The proposal would establish a framework for meeting citizenship education requirements, aiming to enhance test integrity and promote a unified American identity. USCIS naturalized 818,500 people in fiscal 2024, with 89.7% passing the test on the first attempt, and the Justice Department recently launched its largest denaturalization initiative targeting 25 individuals.”
