Several answers in the U.S. citizenship interview are set to change, reflecting outcomes of the November elections. These updates will impact responses to specific questions in the naturalization process.
For example, the answer to “Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?” may change after January 3, as elections were held for 33 Senate seats and one special election in November. States such as Arizona, California, and Delaware elected new senators. To find your state’s current senators, visit the official U.S. Senate website and select “Find Your Senator.”
Similarly, the answer to “Name your U.S. Representative.” could change after January 3, as many new members were elected to the House of Representatives. To identify your district’s representative, use the House of Representatives’ website and enter your ZIP code.
The question “Who is the Governor of your state now?” may also require an updated answer. Elections in 11 states and 2 U.S. territories resulted in new governors taking office. You can verify your state’s current governor through your state government’s website.
Additionally, answers to questions about national leadership will change on January 20. The answer to “What is the name of the President of the United States now?” will become Donald Trump, and the answer to “What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?” will be J.D. Vance following their inauguration.
The response to “What is the political party of the President now?” will also update to “Republican Party” after January 20.
USCIS explains, “On the civics test, some answers may change because of federal or state elections, certain judicial appointments, or due to statutory changes or updates. You must answer the question with the name of the official serving at the time of your naturalization interview.”
The civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. “An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test,” says USCIS.
Certain applicants, because of their age and time as a lawful permanent resident, are exempt from the English requirements for naturalization. “These applicants may take the civics test in the language of their choice,” according to USCIS.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
