DHS Proposes New Educational Requirements for US Citizenship Test

DHS wants to introduce an educational requirement for the US citizenship test.

The Donald Trump administration is planning to bring in some changes to the citizenship test, which a permanent resident needs to pass to become a US citizen. The details of the changes are not public yet but the Department of Homeland Security said in its proposal that it wants to amend the regulations that govern the educational requirements for naturalization. "DHS proposes to establish a framework and a standard for applicants to meet the educational requirements for naturalization. With this proposed rule, USCIS is seeking to further enhance the integrity of the naturalization test," the DHS said. The department also proposed additional flexibilities to allow USCIS to modify the way it administers the naturalization tests, including by allowing for third-party administration of the test.

What is the current requirement for the US citizenship test?

A person above the age of 18 who has been living in the US as a Green Card holder for at least five years (three years if married to a US citizen) can apply for the naturalization process. The citizenship test has two parts: An English test that checks basic proficiency in speaking, reading and writing. The civics test evaluates the applicants' knowledge of US history.

What does the DHS want to do now?

The DHS, in its statement of purpose for the new proposed rules, said that there is no minimum educational requirement for naturalization in the present rules. "Aliens applying for naturalization must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage (English language requirements). Aliens must also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics requirements). Current regulations do not provide specifics on how aliens should meet the educational requirements. These changes would ensure the proper assimilation of lawful immigrants into the United States and promote a unified American identity and attachment to the Constitution, laws, and founding principles of the United States," the DHS said. "With this proposed rule, USCIS is seeking to further enhance the integrity of the naturalization test and provide additional flexibilities in administering the naturalization test. Current regulations limit the administration of the naturalization test by requiring the test as part of the naturalization application and interview with an officer," the department said. Immigration attorney Gabriella Walsh, who posted about this new proposal, said this is only a proposed rule at this stage. "No changes have been implemented, and the details will not be known until the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published," she said. "Still, it is another reminder that immigration policy continues to evolve beyond visas and border enforcement. Even long-established processes like naturalization remain subject to regulatory change. We'll be watching closely as more information becomes available," Walsh wrote.