American Civics Test

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Local libraries may offer free resources to help naturalization applicants prepare for the American Civics Test Los Angeles Public Library New Americans Initiative Opportunity Community Trust Citizenship self-serve information kiosk photographed 2023.jpg
Local libraries may offer free resources to help naturalization applicants prepare for the American Civics Test

The American Civics Test (also known as the American Citizenship Test, U.S. Civics Test, U.S Citizenship Test, and U.S. Naturalization Test) is an oral examination that is administered to immigrants who are applying for U.S. citizenship. The test is designed to assess the applicants' knowledge of U.S. history and government. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the test as part of the naturalization process. [1]

Contents

History

The Basic Naturalization Act, passed by Congress on June 29, 1906, established the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, which oversaw national standardization of citizenship procedures. [2] Prior to the 1906 law, naturalization was under the jurisdiction of the courts (municipal, county, state, or federal), where petitioners could go to the most convenient location and procedures varied. [3] Because there was no explicit requirement to administer a test on American civics as part of the naturalization process, testing was left to the judge's discretion. [4]

During the Bureau of Naturalization's early years of operation, concerns were raised about immigrants being denied citizenship due to a lack of knowledge of American civics and history, so the bureau established education programs to combat the problem, but no standardized test or testing procedure was developed. [4] As a result, courts continued to administer tests with no specific list of questions. The history of the test questions is difficult to document as they were given orally and were usually impromptu.

In an effort to reduce immigration, congress passed the Immigration Act of 1917. This act added a literacy test for ages 16 and above. The literacy test required one to have basic reading comprehension in any language. [5] The modern day literacy test is similar, but it requires most to read, write, and be able to speak partial english. [6] Depending on the circumstances, some may receive special accommodations allowing them to take the test in another language. [7]

Reforms were implemented in 1933 by the newly consolidated Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). [8] Rather than memorizing simple trivial facts, changes were made to ensure that test takers had a meaningful understanding of US history and civics. [4] [8] Years later, on March 1, 2003, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was established and took over all responsibility for immigration service functions previously managed by the INS. [9] Following a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the INS lacked standard test content, instruments, protocols, and even a scoring system for the naturalization process. Although the INS began combating these issues in 2001, the Department of Homeland Security suggested reforms to the citizenship test procedures under the newly established USCIS in 2005. [10] The current version of the civics exam became a requirement of the naturalization process on October 1, 2008.

Naturalization

Testing procedures

The civics test is part of the naturalization process for applicants seeking US citizenship. The test is prepared in English (with exceptions) and is administered orally by a USCIS officer who asks up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. Special considerations are given to applicants who demonstrate need. [11] The questions cover a wide range of topics, including the principles of American democracy, the functions of the different branches of government, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

The test questions are in 3 major categories. [12]

American Government:

American History:

Integrated Civics:

U.S. Citizenship Test Questions US Citizenship test questions - English.pdf
U.S. Citizenship Test Questions

Among the 100 questions that may be asked to applicants, a few examples (along with corresponding answers) are: [13]

Keep in mind that an applicant may have to study for some of these questions, if they are at least 65 years old and have been a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years. [13]

Over recent years, two types of tests were made:

Civics test (2008 version)

The 2008 civics test is an oral exam, and the USCIS officer will ask up to 10 questions from a list of 100 civics test questions. To pass the 2008 civics exam, applicants must correctly answer six questions. [14] From March 2021 to the present this is the version in use in the country. [15]

Civic test (2020 version)

The 2020 civics test is an oral exam, and the USCIS officer will ask up to 20 of the 128 civics test questions. To pass the 2020 civics exam, applicants must correctly answer at least 12 questions. [16] In February 2021 this version of the test was abolished by President Joe Biden. [17]

Naturalization Ceremony at the Grand Canyon Naturalization Ceremony Grand Canyon 20100923mq 0568 (5021267659).jpg
Naturalization Ceremony at the Grand Canyon

Due to recent policy changes, knowing which exam will be administered is dependent on when the application was submitted. Applicants who submitted their applications on or after December 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, with an interview scheduled before April 19, 2021, may have the option to take the 2008 or 2020 test version. [15]

Requirements

There are several requirements that an applicant must accomplish before they apply to become a citizen. These requirements include being at least 18 years old, being a legal permanent resident, and overall being a person of good moral character. An applicant may be denied an application to become a citizen if they have been convicted multiple times (depending on the charges), gained money through gambling, having a drinking problem, etc. [18]

Accommodations

65/20 special consideration

If the applicant is 65 years old or older and has been living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 20 or more years, they may only study for 20 select questions marked with an asterisk. They may also take the civics test in the language of their choice. [14]

Disability waiver

Applicants seeking naturalization are expected to be literate in the English language as well as understand the fundamental principles of the history and government of the United States. Applicants with physical, developmental, and/or mental disabilities that last 12 months or more may be exempt from this requirement by completing a medical exemption form provided by USCIS. Only a medical doctor can verify and certify the information on the form. [19]

English language exemption

The civics test can be taken in a non-English language requested by the applicant as part of the naturalization interview if:

- 50/20: you filed the application when you were 50 years of age or older and lived in U.S. for 20 years or more as a lawful permanent resident with green card.
- 55/15: you filed the application when you were 55 years of age or older and lived in U.S. for 15 years or more as a lawful permanent resident with green card.
- 65/20: you filed the application when you were 65 years of age or older and lived in U.S. for 20 years or more as a lawful permanent resident with green card. [20]

Controversy

On December 1, 2020, USCIS adopted a revised version of the 2008 civics test. This came after a decennial review during President Donald Trump's administration. [21] The revised 2020 version increased the number of questions while making the wording more difficult for non-native English speakers. [22] Many of the standards and accommodations were also modified, such as raising the application fee [23] and expanding requirements for disabled applicants. [24] To that end, immigration organizations warned that the test revision would make it harder for poor immigrants from non-English-speaking countries to become voting citizens. [22] Although a copy of the test and its answers are made available online, advocates worry about more disadvantaged applicants' ability to understand more nuanced questions. [25] Critics of the new test believe it is designed to add an unnecessary barrier to naturalization. [26] However, this policy has been reversed in compliance with an executive order signed by President Joe Biden on February 2, 2021, [17] which reinstates the 2008 civics test as the standard basis for all test questions. [27]

Resources and initiatives

USCIS helpful materials

U.S. New Immigrant Guide USANewImmigrantGuide.jpg
U.S. New Immigrant Guide

USCIS provides free study materials which includes sample test question of both the 2020 and 2008 civics test version, although the 2008 version is in use within interviews. [28] The agency is currently exploring ways to revamp the civics test, with the help of national engagements for feedback and comments on the proposed changes. The test will go through a trial phase for about five months in 2023. [29] In the meantime, applicants preparing for the civics test should study the questions in accordance with the current policy applicable to their application case. USCIS has free information seminars held online and in person. These are open to anyone who is interested, and are offered in different languages. [30] Citizenship classes are held for immigrants looking to naturalize. Legal assistance is available to those who seek advice. The USCIS also funds certain groups who help immigrants naturalize. Low cost services are available by state. [31]

American civics in education

In January 2015, Arizona became the first state in the United States to require high school students to pass a civics test before graduation. [32] The law, signed by Governor Doug Ducey, requires high school students to correctly answer 60 of 100 questions on a test similar to the one new citizens must pass during naturalization. Governor Ducey believes that requiring the civics test in schools would improve civic and political engagement in the country. [33] Advocates like the Arizona-based Joe Foss Institute have set a goal of having all 50 states pass similar legislation by 2017, the 230th anniversary of the United States Constitution. [34] However, only 20 states had followed suit as of 2019. [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naturalization</span> Process by which a non-national in a country acquires after birth the nationality of that country

Naturalization is the legal act or process by which a non-national of a country acquires the nationality of that country after birth. The definition of naturalization by the International Organization for Migration of the United Nations excludes citizenship that is automatically acquired or is acquired by declaration. Naturalization usually involves an application or a motion and approval by legal authorities. The rules of naturalization vary from country to country but typically include a promise to obey and uphold that country's laws and taking and subscribing to an oath of allegiance, and may specify other requirements such as a minimum legal residency and adequate knowledge of the national dominant language or culture. To counter multiple citizenship, some countries require that applicants for naturalization renounce any other citizenship that they currently hold, but whether this renunciation actually causes loss of original citizenship, as seen by the host country and by the original country, will depend on the laws of the countries involved. Arguments for increasing naturalization include reducing backlogs in naturalization applications and reshaping the electorate of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green card</span> Lawful permanent residency in the United States

A green card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is an identity document which shows that a person has permanent residency in the United States. Green card holders are formally known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). As of 2023, there are an estimated 12.7 million green card holders, of whom 9 million are eligible to become United States citizens. Approximately 18,700 of them serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The H-1B is a visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H), that allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is the largest visa category in the United States in terms of guest worker numbers. A specialty occupation requires the application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or the equivalent of work experience. The duration of stay is three years, extendable to six years, after which the visa holder can reapply. Laws limit the number of H-1B visas that are issued each year. There exist congressionally mandated caps limiting the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year, which is 65,000 visas, and an additional 20,000 set aside for those graduating with master’s degrees or higher from a U.S. college or university. An employer must sponsor individuals for the visa. USCIS estimates there are 583,420 foreign nationals on H-1B visas as of September 30, 2019. The number of issued H-1B visas have quadrupled since the first year these visas were issued in 1991. There were 206,002 initial and continuing H-1B visas issued in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oath of Allegiance (United States)</span> Official oath of allegiance in the U.S

The Oath of Allegiance of the United States is the official oath of allegiance that must be taken and subscribed by every immigrant who wishes to become a United States citizen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parole (United States immigration)</span> Official permission to enter and remain temporarily in the U.S.

Parole, in the immigration laws of the United States, generally refers to official permission to enter and remain temporarily in the United States, under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), without formal admission, and while remaining an applicant for admission.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. It is a successor to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was dissolved by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and replaced by three components within the DHS: USCIS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of the United States</span> Policy on permits required to enter the United States and its unincorporated territories

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries.

During the 18th and most of the 19th centuries, the United States had limited regulation of immigration and naturalization at a national level. Under a mostly prevailing "open border" policy, immigration was generally welcomed, although citizenship was limited to “white persons” as of 1790, and naturalization subject to five year residency requirement as of 1802. Passports and visas were not required for entry into America, rules and procedures for arriving immigrants were determined by local ports of entry or state laws. Processes for naturalization were determined by local county courts.

The FBI Name Check is a background check procedure performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for federal agencies, components within the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the federal government; foreign police and intelligence agencies; and state and local law enforcement agencies within the criminal justice system. The FBI Name Check is performed by the FBI as a part of the National Name Check Program, which dates back to Executive Order 10450 that was issued during the Eisenhower Administration. The FBI Name Check for an individual involves a search of the FBI's Central Records System Universal Index for any appearance of the name of the individual, as well as close phonetic variants and permutations of that name, in any of the records stored in the Universal Index. If any such occurrences are found, the Name Check also involves retrieval and analysis of the relevant paper and electronic files from local FBI offices and from other law-enforcement agencies.

Temporary protected status (TPS) is given by the United States government to eligible nationals of designated countries, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who are present in the United States. In general, the Secretary of Homeland Security may grant temporary protected status to people already present in the United States who are nationals of a country experiencing ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or any temporary or extraordinary conditions that would prevent the foreign national from returning safely and assimilating into their duty. Temporary protected status allows beneficiaries to live and, in some cases, work in the United States for a limited amount of time. As of March 2022, there are more than 400,000 foreign nationals in Temporary Protected Status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Citizenship of the United States</span> Legal status in the U.S.

Citizenship of the United States is a legal status that entails Americans with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in the United States. It serves as a foundation of fundamental rights derived from and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, such as freedom of expression, due process, the rights to vote, live and work in the United States, and to receive federal assistance.

EB-2 is an immigrant visa preference category for United States employment-based permanent residency, created by the Immigration Act of 1990. The category includes "members of the professions holding advanced degrees or their equivalent", and "individuals who because of their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business will substantially benefit prospectively the national economy, cultural or educational interests, or welfare of the United States, and whose services in the sciences, arts, professions, or business are sought by an employer in the United States". Applicants must generally have an approved Permanent Labor Certification, a job offer, and their employer must have filed an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with the USCIS.

The Task Force on New Americans is an interagency initiative to help immigrants learn English, embrace the common core of American civic culture, and fully become American. It was created in June 2006 by President George W. Bush. Established within the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Michael Chertoff serves as Chair of the Task Force. Membership includes representatives from 12 Cabinet-level departments and a technical working committee of eight additional federal agencies. Alfonso Aguilar, Chief of the Office of Citizenship at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), serves as Chair of the Task Force's technical committee. The Task Force has worked to develop interagency initiatives to help immigrants settle in their new country and maximize the use of federal resources in promoting integration. By providing technical resources to communities and organizations, encouraging volunteerism, developing effective training methods, conducting targeted research efforts, and providing recommendations to the President, the Task Force has sought to encourage successful immigrant assimilation in a comprehensive manner. In December 2022 the Biden Administration announced it would relaunch the White House Task Force on New Americans.

The U visa is a United States nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the U.S. and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. It permits such victims to enter or remain in the US when they might not otherwise be able to do so. An advantage that comes along with the acceptance of a U-visa is the individual will have deportation protection which is important when they are collaborating with law enforcement.

A citizenship test is an examination, written or oral, required to achieve citizenship in a country. It can be a follow up to fulfilling other requirements such as spending a certain amount of time in the country to qualify for applying for citizenship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Form N-400</span>

Form N-400 is used to apply for US citizenship through the naturalization process. Lawful permanent residents of the United States, who meet the eligibility requirements, can file N-400 form to request citizenship. In the United States, 8.8 million Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible to naturalize.

A National Interest Waiver is an exemption from the labor certification process and job offer requirement for advanced degree/exceptional ability workers applying for an EB-2 Visa for Immigration into the United States.

The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows travel to the United States for service as a minister or other religious occupation. Between October 2019 and September 2020, there were 2,399 R visas issued.

The Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program (CARRP) is a policy within United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that aims to prevent selected individuals from obtaining citizenship or immigration benefits. The acronym is a hidden derogatory reference to the 'carp' fish, an invasive species. The name appears to have been covertly chosen to equate the fish to the immigrant communities which the program targeted. The policy was created in 2008 and mainly targets immigrants from Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities, with the top 5 countries being Pakistan, Iraq, India, Iran and Yemen. By law, immigration applications must be adjudicated within 180 days but the program introduces a loop of indefinite delays by citing national security or public safety concerns. Applications for naturalization, lawful permanent residency, and asylum are the most common selections for CARRP processing.

Federal policy oversees and regulates immigration to the United States and citizenship of the United States. The United States Congress has authority over immigration policy in the United States, and it delegates enforcement to the Department of Homeland Security. Historically, the United States went through a period of loose immigration policy in the early-19th century followed by a period of strict immigration policy in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. Policy areas related to the immigration process include visa policy, asylum policy, and naturalization policy. Policy areas related to illegal immigration include deferral policy and removal policy.

References

  1. ↑ U. S. Citizen and Immigration Services (March 3, 2022). "The Naturalization Interview and Test | USCIS". U. S. Citizen and Immigration Services. Archived from the original on 2022-03-09. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  2. ↑ "H.R. 15442 (report no. 1789), in the House of Representatives ; Bill to establish a Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, and to provide for a uniform rule for the naturalization of aliens throughout the United States ; H.R. TOASTERS RULE GEORGE WASHINGTON DROOLSbill to establish a Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, and to provide for a uniform rule for the naturalization of aliens throughout the United States". Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930 - CURIOSity Digital Collections. Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  3. ↑ "Naturalization Records". National Archives. 2016-08-15. Archived from the original on 2022-12-13. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  4. 1 2 3 "Origins of the Naturalization Civics Test | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2020-09-02. Archived from the original on 2022-12-28. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  5. ↑ "The Immigration Act of 1924 (The Johnson-Reed Act)".
  6. ↑ "The Naturalization Interview and Test | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  7. ↑ "Exceptions and Accommodations | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2020-07-05. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  8. 1 2 "Naturalization Process in U.S.: Early History". Social Welfare History Project. 2013-02-26. Archived from the original on 2022-12-14. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  9. ↑ "Our History | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2022-11-18. Archived from the original on 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  10. ↑ Letter report: Citizenship Test Redesign Archived May 13, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "The Naturalization Interview and Test | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2021-09-16. Archived from the original on 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  12. ↑ "Components of the Naturalization Test" (PDF). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-04-07. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  13. 1 2 "Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test" (PDF). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. January 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Study for the Test (2008 version) | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. Archived from the original on 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  15. 1 2 "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is Reverting to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test | Homeland Security". www.dhs.gov. Archived from the original on 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  16. ↑ "Study for the Test (2020 version) | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2022-04-13. Archived from the original on 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  17. 1 2 U. S. Government Publishing Office. (February 2, 2021). "Executive Order 14012 Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans" (PDF). Govinfo. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Naturalization Requirements (1999)". Gale In Context: U.S. History (Government document). American Journal. Civil Rights in America. 1999. Retrieved October 3, 2024.{{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  19. ↑ "USCIS Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  20. ↑ https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/citizenship-test-exemptions/ Archived 2023-11-09 at the Wayback Machine . Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  21. ↑ "Memorandum: Revision of the Naturalization Civics Test" (PDF). U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-12-15. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  22. 1 2 Romero, R. &, Jordan, M. (December 3, 2020). "New U.S. Citizenship test is longer and more difficult". New York Times. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ↑ Alvarez, Priscilla (2020-11-10). "Trump administration's revisions to the naturalization exam could make the test harder for immigrants seeking citizenship | CNN Politics". CNN. Archived from the original on 2022-12-15. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  24. ↑ Kim, Juliana (2022-10-25). "U.S. removes Trump-era barriers to citizenship-test waivers for disabled immigrants". NPR. Archived from the original on 2022-12-15. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  25. ↑ "Trump officials unveil new U.S. citizenship test, as advocates worry it is too long, difficult and politicized". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286. Archived from the original on 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  26. ↑ Lubet, Steven. "Trump's New Citizenship Test Is Full of Conservative Bias—And Dotted With Mistakes". POLITICO. Archived from the original on 2022-09-22. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  27. ↑ Sands, G. (February 22, 2021). "Biden administration rolls back Trump-era citizenship civics test". CNN. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Naturalization Test and Study Resources | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2022-12-14. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  29. ↑ "Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022 | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2022-12-14. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  30. ↑ "Free Naturalization Information Sessions | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  31. ↑ "Find Help in Your Community | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  32. ↑ "State of Arizona H.B 2064; Relating To School Curricula" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  33. ↑ Crane, Steve (2017-02-28). "Ducey presses governors on need for civics education like Arizona's | Cronkite News". Cronkite News - Arizona PBS. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  34. ↑ "Arizona passes law requiring students to pass civics test - Yahoo News". 2016-03-05. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  35. ↑ Tom, Joyce (29 March 2022). "Arizona raises civics education standards". The Center Square. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
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