Trump Changes U.S. Citizenship Test

Trump Administration Announces Changes to U.S. Citizenship Test.

The Trump administration has announced changes to the U.S. citizenship test, reinstating the revised 2020 version that had been replaced by the Biden administration in 2021. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the goal is to “better assess applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government.”

The new 2025 exam will restore the 2020 format, increasing the number of possible questions from 100 to 128. To pass, applicants must answer at least 12 of 20 questions correctly, maintaining the same passing criteria as before. However, examiners may now conclude the test once an applicant reaches 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers.

According to USCIS, the updated version covers key topics essential to understanding U.S. history and political structure. Sample questions include: “Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does,” “Why did the United States enter World War I?” and “Name one example of an American innovation.”

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated that “American citizenship is the most sacred in the world and should be reserved only for those who fully embrace the nation’s values and principles.” He emphasized that ensuring naturalization only for those who demonstrate English proficiency and an understanding of the U.S. government guarantees that new citizens “are fully integrated and will contribute to America’s greatness.”

The test is administered orally to foreign nationals applying for naturalization and may be taken twice. If the applicant fails both attempts, the application is denied. In 2024, more than 94% of applicants passed the test.

The exam may be taken in another language only under specific circumstances, such as for lawful permanent residents over 50 years old who have lived in the United States for at least 20 years.

Since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, USCIS has implemented stricter verification measures and new guidelines for assessing applicants’ moral character and contributions to society. The agency has also resumed local investigations and reaffirmed that unlawful voting or false claims to U.S. citizenship disqualify an applicant from naturalization.