Trump Pushes Tougher Civics Test to Tighten U.S. Citizenship Process

The Trump administration has announced plans to reintroduce a stricter version of the naturalization civics test, making it more difficult for immigrants to secure U.S. citizenship.

Under the proposal, the number of potential questions would increase from 100 to 128, and applicants would be required to correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions. The current format demands only six correct answers out of 10.

Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to “better assess an alien’s understanding of U.S. history, government, and English language,” while protecting “traditional American culture and values.”

“We are doing everything in our power to make sure that anyone who is offered the privilege of becoming an American citizen fulfills their obligation to their new country,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, according to the Los Angeles Times.

However, immigration advocates have strongly criticised the policy, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to restrict legal immigration.

“The Trump administration lauding the privileges of becoming a U.S. citizen — while making it harder to obtain it — rings hollow,” said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock of the National Immigration Law Center.

The development comes as part of wider Trump-era immigration policies, which include expanded deportations, stricter vetting, and scrutiny of immigrants’ social media for signs of “anti-American ideologies or activities.”

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