Chicago – October 18, 2025
The Trump administration is making it harder to pass the oral exam required for immigrants seeking naturalization as U.S. citizens. The new test is also longer.
Green card holders who file for citizenship after Oct. 20 will have to answer twice as many questions correctly during the civics interview that tests their knowledge of U.S. history, politics and government and that is one of the final steps in the naturalization process. The list of possible questions will also get longer and include more difficult questions.
A spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Matthew Tragesser, said in a statement when the changes were announced recently that the new test will ensure “that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness.”
It’s just one of several changes the Trump administration has instituted to make citizenship harder to earn as it seeks more broadly to limit the ability of immigrants and visa holders to enter, remain or settle in the U.S.
The citizenship test that USCIS has used since 2008 requires applicants to answer six questions correctly out of 10. The new test will require 12 correct answers out of 20. The list of possible questions the agent chooses from will grow from 100 to 128, and many will be more difficult.
Questions about U.S. holidays and geography and others with short answers – “What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?” – are being reduced or eliminated, and replaced with tougher ones: “Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?” (Answer, according to the study guide: “To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait.”) Another new question: Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War? (Answer, according to the study guide: “To stop the spread of communism.”)
Aside from the tougher civics test, applicants for citizenship will also have to convince an immigration officer that they have “good moral character.” Until now, the absence of bad behavior or criminal conduct on an applicant’s record has been enough. Now, they’ll need to submit evidence of their “positive contributions to American society.” Immigration officers will also more rigorously check applicants’ backgrounds, possibly interviewing co-workers, family members or neighbors.
