Green Card Citizenship Test Changes: How The Test Is Getting More Complicated And Harder – Blavity
The United States is adding another obstacle to the path for citizenship. According to NPR, the oral test for the citizenship process will now include more difficult questions and other requirements. Matthew Tragesser, a spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said in a statement to NPR that the changes will ensure “that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness.”
What are the requirements for the new citizenship test?
The new citizenship test, which will take effect for green card holders who file for citizenship after Monday, includes twice as many questions as the previous version. In the past, applicants were required to correctly answer six questions out of 10. The new version will also include more complicated questions.
One of the new questions, for example, asks, “Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?” The answer to that question, per the study guide, is “To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait.”
Another question asks, “Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?” According to the study guide, the answer is “To stop the spread of communism.”
Applicants must also prove that they have “good moral character” and show evidence of their “positive contributions to American society.” Per NPR, immigration officers may interview co-workers, family members or neighbors as they closely check applicants’ backgrounds.
What are legal experts saying about the new citizenship test?
Julie Mitchell, legal director of the Central American Resource Center in Los Angeles, said the new changes may “have a negative impact on the number of people who are able to continue the naturalization process.”
“Particularly considering that these changes will impact individuals with low literacy levels and those who don’t have access to classes and preparation materials,” Mitchell told NPR.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, however, said the current version is too easy.
“We need to know more,” Edlow said, per NPR. “Especially if we’re going to really understand whether someone has a true attachment to the Constitution as required by the statute.”
Amanda Frost, a professor of immigration law at the University of Virginia, said the current test should be enough to determine whether or not a person is granted citizenship.
“Has there been any evidence that we’re allowing people to naturalize who don’t share our values, and don’t make for good participants in our democracy?” Frost said. “I don’t see any evidence of that.”
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