The director said that the new process may involve a standardized test and essay-like responses to test applicants’ knowledge and English language skills.
WASHINGTON—The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, on Sept. 4, announced that his agency would be increasing the difficulty of the current test for immigrants to be naturalized as citizens of the United States.
Director Joseph B. Edlow made the announcement at an event hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that seeks to lower the admissions of immigrants to the United States. He said that the current test—which requires applicants to demonstrate the ability to read and write in English, as well as correctly answer six out of 10 questions related to the government, history, and civics—would be replaced by a new test that involves more components, including essay responses.
“We’re looking for an attachment to the Constitution. We’re looking for an understanding of the civic responsibility of being a U.S. citizen. We’re looking for actual understanding and ability to read and speak and write the English language,” Edlow said. “Frankly, this test is just too easy … we need to make it a little more challenging … That’s what we’re going to do.”
“We’re going to make the test harder in terms of making the questions more thought-provoking,” Edlow said. “I might even consider, if possible, moving to a standardized test format … and [having applicants] write an essay on ‘What does it mean to me to be an American?’” he also noted, adding that “being able to be coached through this process right now is not something that should be allowed.”
“Naturalization” is the process of a foreign national becoming a U.S. citizen, usually after becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, such as by possessing a “green card,” and spending between three and five years on such a status. It is one of three ways to become a U.S. citizen, the other two being “derivation” by a minor child when their custodial parents naturalize, as well as birth as a natural-born U.S. citizen either in the country or, subject to rules, abroad to an American parent.
The naturalization test is one component of the process of naturalization, the other being the requirement to swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution and laws and pledge certain promises, such as to bear arms on behalf of the United States. An applicant who fails any component of the naturalization test is eligible to retake it a second time, within a 60- to 90-day period. If they fail a second time, their application for naturalization is denied, they forfeit any fees, and they are required to reapply from the beginning of the process.
Edlow said that the did not want to make the test “so hard that it’s impossible,” but noted that the questions need to be changed.
“I am declaring war on anyone that is coming to this country and wants to get a benefit, but doesn’t want the responsibility of what it means to actually be a U.S. citizen,” Edlow noted.
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