Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will start a new process on October 20 for people with green cards who apply for U.S. citizenship. The changes include a harder civics test and an assessment of the applicant's character. USCIS aims to make the process stricter to ensure applicants understand U.S. history and government and have good moral character.
Key Facts
- Green card holders applying for citizenship on or after October 20 will take a new, more challenging civics test.
- The new test requires applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, increased from 6 out of 10.
- There are 128 possible questions about U.S. history and government that they could be asked.
- Special rules apply to elderly applicants who have held green cards for over 20 years.
- The process includes checking for "good moral character," which involves a positive contribution to society.
- USCIS may conduct neighborhood investigations, using testimonials and interviews.
- Applicants have two chances to pass the civics test before their citizenship application is denied.
