With Donald Trump back in the White House, immigration attorneys are advising eligible green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as possible. Experts warn that the administration could introduce changes to the naturalization process, potentially making it more difficult for applicants.
New York-based immigration attorney Keshab Raj Seadie noted that during Trump’s previous term, his administration attempted to alter the citizenship test, making it more complex. Given his return to power, there is a strong possibility of similar or even stricter changes this time around.
Seadie emphasized the urgency of applying now, stating, “During Trump’s last term, we saw attempts to make the citizenship test more complex. There is a real possibility that his administration will try to bring back similar or even tougher measures this time. If you’re eligible, don’t wait—apply now.”

Potential modifications may include a more challenging civics test, increased scrutiny of applications, or stricter eligibility requirements. These changes could affect thousands of immigrants who qualify for citizenship but have yet to apply.
Who is Eligible for U.S. Naturalization?
To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, an applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the application. The most common pathway to naturalization requires the applicant to be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years. However, individuals who are married to U.S. citizens may qualify after three years of permanent residency, provided they have been living with their U.S. citizen spouse during that time.
Applicants must also demonstrate continuous residence in the United States. This means they should not have left the country for extended periods that would disrupt their permanent residency status. In addition, they must meet the physical presence requirement, which generally requires them to have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last five years (or 18 months out of the last three years for those applying through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
Another critical requirement is good moral character, which USCIS assesses by reviewing an applicant’s background, including any criminal history, tax compliance, and overall adherence to U.S. laws. Certain criminal offenses, such as fraud or serious convictions, can make an applicant ineligible for naturalization.
Proficiency in English language skills is also required. Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, though there are exemptions for older individuals who have lived in the U.S. for an extended period. Additionally, applicants must pass a civics test, which evaluates their knowledge of U.S. history, government, and geography. This is conducted during the naturalization interview, where they are asked a set of questions from an official study guide.
All applicants must demonstrate their commitment to the United States by taking the Oath of Allegiance, pledging their loyalty to the country and its Constitution. This final step marks the completion of the naturalization process, granting them the full rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
Trump’s Previous Changes to the Citizenship Test
During Trump’s first term, his administration introduced a revised citizenship test on December 1, 2020, making the naturalization process more difficult. The Biden administration later rescinded these changes on March 1, 2021, reinstating the 2008 version of the test.
Under the Trump-era test, applicants had to answer 20 civics questions, with a requirement to correctly answer at least 12 of them. This was a significant increase compared to the previous system, where applicants were asked 10 questions and needed to correctly answer six to pass.
Additionally, the pool of potential civics questions increased from 100 to 128, making preparation more challenging. Critics argued that the revised test disproportionately impacted applicants with lower English proficiency and those with limited formal education.

USCIS Abandoned Proposed Test Redesign in December
In December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decided to abandon another proposed redesign of the naturalization test, which was initially introduced in December 2022. Instead, USCIS announced it would continue using the 2008 version of the English and civics test, following widespread concerns raised by immigrant advocacy groups and other stakeholders.
“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,” USCIS stated in a Federal Register notice published on December 30, 2024.
The proposed redesign aimed to standardize the English-speaking component of the test and introduce a multiple-choice format for the civics test. One major change would have required applicants to describe photographs to demonstrate their English proficiency. Critics argued that this did not effectively measure language skills and unnecessarily complicated the naturalization process.
Additionally, immigration advocates warned that the multiple-choice format for the civics test would have required advanced reading comprehension and test-taking skills, potentially disadvantaging low-literacy applicants, adult learners, and individuals with limited formal education.
After receiving over 1,300 comments from stakeholders, the majority of whom opposed the changes, USCIS determined that the proposed redesign would create additional barriers to naturalization. As a result, the trial test was formally terminated on December 30, 2024, and the agency reaffirmed its commitment to using the 2008 version of the test.
Legal Experts Urge Immediate Application
Despite USCIS’s recent decision to maintain the current test, legal experts warn that the Trump administration may still reinstate the stricter 2020 version of the citizenship test or introduce new requirements. Given Trump’s previous record on immigration, attorneys believe that changes to the naturalization process could be among his administration’s priorities.
Under Section 312 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of U.S. history, government, and geography and have the ability to speak, read, and write in English to qualify for citizenship. While 90% of applicants successfully pass the naturalization interview, the complexity of the questions and potential changes could increase challenges for many immigrants.
With the uncertainty surrounding future immigration policies, legal professionals and immigrant advocacy groups are urging eligible green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship immediately to avoid potential new barriers.