Out of October 2025WHO Anyone wishing to apply for citizenship in the United States must take an extended exam with 128 questionsin addition to personal reviews and social network review.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says the new version of the test has gone into effect for those who have filed applications since mid-October, resuming changes promoted in 2020.
For the oral exam, 12 out of 20 out of 128 questions must be answered correctlycompared to the previous criterion of 6 out of 10 out of a total of 100.
In addition to the test, applicants’ evaluations are revitalized through neighborhood and neighborhood interviews Examining social media posts to check moral behavior.
He United States Government has announced a tightening of the procedure for obtaining US citizenshipwhich both a More demanding version of the civics test as an additional check on applicants.
Since mid-October, those submitting their applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have had to take a test consisting of a universe of 128 questions about American history, government and the political system, 20 of which are randomly asked verbally and of which they must answer at least 12 correctly. This change represents a leap from the previous formatwhereby 6 out of 10 out of a total of 100 questions had to be correct.
In parallel to the test, the authority reactivated further verification mechanisms: including Conducting interviews with neighbors and work colleagues of the applicantsso-called neighborhood checks, as well as the careful review of the social media activities of those seeking naturalization.
These steps are intended to ensure that applicants meet the requirements: “good moral behavior” and adhere to American values, according to the USCIS statements.
The revised exam includes questions on topics that have not previously been covered in great detailsuch as the Tenth Amendment, the Federalist Papers, historical figures such as Alexander Hamilton or James Madison and former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as technological advances or crucial innovations in American history.
People aged 65 and over who have lived there for at least 20 years In the country, they can access a simplified version of the exam in their preferred language, although the new rules also affect this segment with higher requirements.
Authorities argue that these measures are intended to ensure that only those who are “fully committed to our values and principles” gain access to U.S. citizenship. This was stated by USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser, who pointed this out It is “the first amendment of many” to ensure that those who become citizens “are fully assimilated and contribute to the greatness of America.”
On the other hand, these measures have drawn criticism from immigrant rights organizations. For example, Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, warned that the new rules “They just make things difficult for long-term residentsThose who contribute to this country every day can access the lasting protection that citizenship provides.”
The context of these changes lies in a federal administration that aims to strengthen immigration policy and emphasizes integration as a central prerequisite for naturalization. Although the basic requirements remain – such as having had a lawful permanent residence permit for at least three or five years, depending on the category, and proof of basic knowledge of English and civics – the expansion of the questionnaire and the new controls represent a challenge a significant tightening of the process.
The effects will be noticeable for applicants: You should devote more time to studying American history, government, and civic culture. Prepare for possible interviews with witnesses around you and be aware that your presence on social networks and other digital platforms may be subject to scrutiny.
Anyone who fails the test gets a second chance, but If they fail again, the naturalization application will be rejected.
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