U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer pursue the proposed redesign of the naturalization test initially introduced in December 2022. USCIS has decided to continue using the current 2008 version of the English and civics test, citing concerns raised by stakeholders about the potential challenges the proposed changes could impose on applicants.
“Most comments received on the proposed trial test, including those from immigrant advocacy organizations and external stakeholders, expressed concerns about the trial test. Therefore, USCIS will no longer pursue the announced trial test,” Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ur M. Jaddou stated in a Federal Register notice published on December 30. “The proposed trial test is terminated effective immediately. USCIS continues to use the current 2008 version of the English and civics test.”
The trial redesign was part of an effort to standardize the English-speaking component of the test and update the civics test with revised content and a multiple-choice format. As part of the proposed English-speaking test, applicants would have been asked to describe photographs to demonstrate their proficiency in English.
USCIS held multiple public engagements to gather feedback from stakeholders, including immigrant advocacy organizations and community-based groups. USCIS received more than 1,300 comments from stakeholders through engagements, emails, and submitted letters. The majority of comments opposed the trial test, according to the Federal Register notice.
Critics of the English-speaking test argued that describing photographs did not effectively measure language proficiency and added unnecessary complexity to the naturalization interview. Similarly, many stakeholders opposed the multiple-choice format for the civics test, stating that it required advanced reading comprehension and test-taking skills, potentially disadvantaging low-literacy applicants, adult learners, and individuals with limited formal education.
Based on the public feedback, USCIS concluded that the trial test would likely increase barriers to naturalization rather than reduce them. This decision aligns with the administration’s goal of making the naturalization process more accessible and inclusive. As of December 30, 2024, USCIS has formally terminated the trial test and reaffirmed its commitment to using the 2008 version of the naturalization test, which has been widely regarded as effective and fair.
“The objective of the trial was to determine an efficient way to reduce undue barriers to taking the naturalization test, and the majority of the feedback received revealed concerns that the trial version of the test may increase burdens on applicants. Therefore, USCIS has decided to terminate the previously proposed trial test altogether,” the Federal Register notice announced.
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.
