Leadership Journal

October 15, 2008

A Better, Not Harder Citizenship Test


On October 1, 2008, USCIS began administering a new naturalization test. The need for a standardized and meaningful test has been the source of study and discussion for more than a decade. I’m proud of the new test and the commitment we’ve made to giving applicants a meaningful and consistent testing experience across the board.

The purpose of the redesign was twofold: to make sure we have uniform testing experiences nationwide; and to develop a civics test that can effectively assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government as the law requires. Naturalization applicants deserve a fair and standardized testing experience no matter where they take the test.

USCIS has made every effort to minimize the impact of this change by allowing one full year for preparation and by working closely with national and local immigrant-serving organizations along the way. Since announcing the test in September 2007, we have trained more than 2,000 educators and service providers, launched a variety of new study materials, and embarked on an unprecedented outreach campaign. You can see the study materials and judge for yourself their quality by going to http://www.uscis.gov/. I believe that the result is an effort all Americans can be proud of and one immigrants need not fear.

I would like to take this opportunity to let applicants know that what we have is a better, not harder test. The format is the same, just standardized across our offices. The civics test has been revamped and improved; and our 2007 pilots showed that those who study for the new test should pass. As for the English test, applicants now know exactly how to prepare through publicly released vocabulary lists. Also, all naturalization applicants now receive a new English and civics study booklet when they are fingerprinted at one of our Application Support Centers.

The new test was designed to serve as a tool to encourage civic learning and attachment to the country. Our pilot studies and research have shown that better content and a consistent format have not made the test more difficult. Through proper preparation and study, eligible candidates will be successful in achieving their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. We will, however, monitor the results of the new test carefully and make this information public.

I want to commend those of you preparing for U.S. citizenship. The decision to apply is a very personal one. As you take this important step, it is my hope that the naturalization process helps strengthen your attachment to the United States and the democratic ideals that make this nation great. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.

Jonathan “Jock” Scharfen
Acting Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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42 Comments:

  • As a citizen, I have reviewed the test. I'm not complaining, but I'd like to suggest some additions if possible.

    (1) Add a section on the responsibilities of citizenship (developing that would be a significant challenge; however, I can't think of anything that wouldn't provide greater value over time. It would also become the source of a good deal of soul-searching on the part of those of us who are already citizens).

    (2) Add a few questions on banking and money. If people are going to function as citizens in this society, they should know the denominations of money and how to make change, and they should know something about banking, loans, and interest (the recent housing debacle shows that pretty well). Finally, they should know something (1 or 2 questions) on the stock market, since it's so important to us here.

    (3) Add some questions dealing with how to view news and advertizements through a critical eye.

    (4) Add some questions dealing with basic life safety (e.g. what number do you call if you are in trouble (911)), some standard safety signs (e.g. stop sign, DANGER sign, POISON sign, etc.) and actions (e.g. traffic runs on the right side of the road here, etc.).

    (5) Add some questions dealing with the law and the police (e.g. how should you view the police? If they tell you to do something, what should you do? Are there things they CANNOT tell you to do? What is a lawyer, and what is his role? What is a judge, and what is his role? What is a jury, and what is his role? If you are called to be on a jury, what are your responsibilities?).

    (6) Add some basic math problems (e.g. can they balance a checkbook?)


    By the time these folks get to this point, they should already know these things, but it's necessary to check.

    You might also observe that these same questions need to be dealt with in the standard American school curriculum. I'd heartily agree, PARTICULARLY the areas pertaining to the responsibilities of citizenship.

    Thanks for letting me review this and comment on it.

    By Anonymous arclight, At October 16, 2008 6:16 AM  

  • I agree with the brilliant suggestion of archlite the proposal will produce more confident and patriotic citizens fully conversant with the basics of democratic culture of USA. The proposed quiz will not harden the test any way.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 23, 2008 5:41 PM  

  • i dont agree with the guy above. why should someone be tested on basic math...i dont agree that citizenship should be contingent on how well an individual solves a math problem. also, why should a prospective citizen answer questions on stock market. what does stock market have to do with them being responsible US citizens.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 27, 2008 5:09 PM  

  • For the first poster, comedown it’s just a citizenship interview, what are you thinking?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 27, 2008 5:55 PM  

  • Someone said, "Words are like chameleons. They reflect the colors of their immediate environment." The presuppositions reflected in archlight's statements reveal either ignorance of immigration regulations or failure to understand the purposes of the test in question. For your information, applicants quality to pursue citizenship only after completing five years of permanent residency in the U.S.A. These are people who have possibily attended college here and who are currently function productively in this society. To suggest that they learn U.S. A. monitory system or balancing checkbooks is ludicrous at the least. This Naturalization Test is not a hazing experience. We left those shenanigans in High School a long time ago.

    By Anonymous immigrant, At October 27, 2008 6:15 PM  

  • What a ridiculous suggestion above, you assume that everyone is incompetent and does not know these things already, I am a Phd and had lived in the USA for 12 years before i was naturalized. Like many other extreemly well educated.

    I think maybe you need to go on a strategic thinking seminar or just use your common sense.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 27, 2008 7:05 PM  

  • I have never seen so many interesting and intelligent suggestions... How should someone see the police? Banking and money? News and... critical eye? What does that have to do with Citizenship????! Do you think that people only function in this society only when they become Citizens? Math problems?! Did you ever thought that there are schools? What patriotic values do you think your suggestions have? How does knowing about the stock market or balancing a checkbook contribute for the love I feel in my heart for this great Country?

    By Anonymous Ricardo, At October 27, 2008 10:48 PM  

  • When is the backlog gonna be over?Please Mr Director, look into I-485cases submitted in august 2007. Help me please. I want to go home and see my family after 8 years..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 27, 2008 11:00 PM  

  • Arclight, i agree with some of your suggestions but i think some other ones are a little out touch, just ask yourself if we tested the entire US population on Banking, Stock Market, Psicology of Advertising, Math... etc how many Citizens would this country really have?

    By Anonymous A Real Citizen, At October 27, 2008 11:08 PM  

  • last month I did see the processing time for petition I130 (petition for husband and wife and kids under 21 for permanent resident ) said january 3rd 2008 this is on Sep 28th 2008 but on october 19th it;s said january 1st 2005 can you explain this ? uscis make people separate from their family even they pay the fees for their paper work
    this is for USCIS (immigration in america) please do your best to bring together the families don;t broke families
    why in europe or asia the processing time for this kind of petition takes just 6 months maximum?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 28, 2008 7:26 AM  

  • The points posted by the first individual, seem to be thoughtful and could prove valuable. However, how many of the current US citizens could answer some of these questions and abide by some of the requirements? The questions in the current testing booklet I believe is fair and those provide a good insight to the heritage of this country.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 28, 2008 8:23 AM  

  • I like the new test it is easier.I have the choice between the 2 and I'll go for the last one.I disagree with the person who suggested learning about finance and math.It is an application for citizenship not for MBA.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 28, 2008 10:31 AM  

  • Arclight, you've got good suggestions, but unfortunately you miss one point, which is - your suggestions look totally rediculous if applied to those naturally born U.S. citizens who would fail even old civics tests (a big chunk of the U.S. population, by the way!). In addition, being an immigrant myself I can tell you that at least 40% of Americans who were born in this country have discriminated against others based on their national, racial or other backgrounds. I have experienced hatred and discrimination towards me and my people in general so many times since I came to this country - it's really sad. So before you ask for immigrants to pass any basic math or finance tests, look at your own citizens - how many of them would be able to check "No" on the naturalization application where it asked about discrimination? Too bad none of them have to file this form.

    By Anonymous A Ukrainian Girl, At October 28, 2008 2:22 PM  

  • Actually, I took the new test earlier this month and am proud to become a new American citizen. Obviously, I have two masters degrees and am a news junkie, and found the test to be too easy. Citizenship requirements are very tough in most other countries. For example, in Japan, where I lived for years, you have to master the Japanese language and immerse yourself in the culture in order to be naturalized.

    I am starting to believe that if we want America to continue to be the greatest nation on the planet, the citizenship test should be harder and English language requirements tougher so that only the best and the brightest can become Americans. Mind you, achieving that level is not impossible, it just requires hard work and if you do not like working hard, do not become an American.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 28, 2008 4:16 PM  

  • I had done my interview oct 1st. I read new one too. I like new one because is there cover more thing.

    By Blogger Ganesh, At October 28, 2008 6:10 PM  

  • I think that this is good that the test is not hard, I seen persons that are born here and dont know alot of these question and if you ask them they dont have a clue.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 28, 2008 10:24 PM  

  • thank tou mr director about the great job you doing at this time,i just do my citizenship test but again america is the best contry on the world how easy was my exam compare to some country again it is no necessary do make the text difficult because more people want to be citizen on the great nation on the world

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 12:30 AM  

  • Let me ask you a question, what does Japan do when their citizens are complete idiots, do they ship them somewhere?

    Also have you even seen Jay Leno's show? How many of the US born citizens have no clue about some of those questions Jay asks and some of them are in the existing Naturalization Test?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 12:34 AM  

  • Good for you poster 14, god created people with different brain and abilities. Citizenship is just citizenship as easy as that not to test people intelligent or who retarded they are.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 1:19 PM  

  • Mr Director,
    Could you look into how 1-140/1-485 cases filed this year were approved before the ones filed in August 2007. This is not fair at all to some of us who has been waiting for the green card to atleast, travel home and meet with our families after so many years. Please please please, I beg you in the name of God to look into what is holding the 1-485 cases filed at Texas office in August 2007. The 1-140 has been approved since May this year. PLEASE HELP US!
    MAY GOD ALMIGHTY WILL BLESS AMERICA AND YOU ALL.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 3:04 PM  

  • Mr. Scharfen,
    Husband & wife seperated for processing delays is something to be taken care for priority over other cases. It is hard to fight the nature.

    By Blogger Ahmad, At October 29, 2008 3:37 PM  

  • Most natural born Americans would fail this test. You'd be amazed how many people born in this country don't knows NOTHING about it. After taking this test, all immigrants will know more about America than most Americans. It's a fact. Instead of wasting time on putting together a new test, USCIS should have concentrate all their efforts to reduce the approval time for people like me who's I-485 has been pending approval for over 14 months with the TSC..Ridicilous..Efficiency!!A lesson new immigrants already learned that's not a part of the system.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 4:51 PM  

  • Arclight, the first commenter's post is I think unfair. You don't test someone's Citizenship by their intelligence, by knowing stocks, our even math! To be a citizen is showing one's loyalty/patriotism to the country. We all know it's very difficult to test that. That's why there are screenings to do so like filing documents, signing under your name the list of responsibilities of a citizen (For instance, Performing noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law), fingerprinting to screen for any criminal or financial records etc. and the BASIC Civics, Government, History and Language Test. Even a Hispanic gardener who doesn't have a good education can be a citizen as long as he shows his loyalty to the country by not commiting crime and by contributing well to the community thru his work.

    I also have a comment with the person who lived in Japan for years and became an American Citizen. First of all, Japan with it's culture and tradition had been standing as a country since 660 B.C. The "United States" never started as its own country, but as immigrants from Europe who invaded the local people. The States is only about 300 years old. The point is you can never tell which is the greatest country in the world and you can never force it by a citizenship exam.

    On the other hand though, Language should be a focus with the exam because I think communication plays an important role for this country. I live in San Diego and work as a nurse in a hospital. We get a lot of patients who lived here for several years, some 20 years, and still don't know English. With due respect to them, the government should allot resources to help with the language barrier like providing free English classes.

    United States of America has such diversity of culture that we should be proud of. People should understand that being a citizen is not proved by race, by brains, or by money but by one's good intention and contribution to the country.

    Thank you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 4:55 PM  

  • Mr Director, Lovely article but now tell us something about the real problem. few months back you told us about processing times. Would you please tell us why I-140 filed in July/August 07 are taking so long for processing. Applications mailed on 08 are being precessed/approved.

    I may not be as smart as you are but i do know the meaning of FIFO and you know very well that USCIS is not following it.

    I know that you know that we immigratants can do nothing to you and it s a shame that you are taking advantage of it.

    If there is little bit of professionalism in USCISthen you will tell everyone why its taking so long and give every appliant a definate date to process.

    Just for few minutes put yourself in our position, You will know the pain that we go through.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 5:11 PM  

  • Mr. Director, I appreciate all you have done so far regard the processing time of Naturalization. The only issue that does not make any sense to me is How USCIS keep processing K1 non-immigrant visa for US citizen Fiancée in 1- 3 months but it takes over 7 months to process K3. As you already know, k3 visa is just like K1 visa except K3 is for real family and K1 is for possible family. Please Mr. Director let USCIS give real family their first priority. K3 should be processed within or less than 1 month since most of the paper work will be done overseas.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 5:32 PM  

  • I took at decade to refine the citizenship test how long would it take to eliminate or at least improve the backlog situation for I-140 EB3s at NSC? not time bound.. There are some basic things missing an it need to be mended. Transparency to public is key.. out of order processsing based on convenience is the problem.. People who are stuck are stuck for ages.. and those filed yesterday go with the PR card .. new regulation and rules always benefit those filed recently and leaving aside old ones.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 29, 2008 11:30 PM  

  • Arclight,a naturalization test has got nothing to do with basic math,advertising,the stock market,loans,interest and banking.You seem to be out of touch here & I totally disagree with you.
    Naturalization only has to do with basic civic questions and history about the United States.
    We are not talking about an MBA degree here or Masters in Economics.
    Get for real fellow.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 31, 2008 1:01 PM  

  • I have been in this country for almost 6 years on a work permit. I have been a law abiding non-resident alien and filed for my I-140 in July 2006. I have been itneracting and constantly following up with USCIS on my case status, and I got a letter last month stating that the USCIS is processing my case and its under review. This week i got another letter stating that my I-140 petition has been denied since April 15, 2008, and we cannot re-appeal as the time of appeal has passed by. Neither my employer has got any denial notice, nor has it been updated on the online case status USCIS website (What I have been checking THRICE everyday, since past 2 years).. I have already purchased a house here, been paying my taxes regularly and never had any issues on my earlier visa approvals. Please understand the frustration and insecurity we have to go through on an everyday basis and find a solution for these issues. US has been a land of immigrants and I am sure people like us are very much needed here.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 31, 2008 1:22 PM  

  • Jock, I will really appreciate it if you can do something about the petition for family members, especially the I130 for spouses and children of permanent residents. Most citizens are able to bring their aged mothers to the U.S to baby sit for them after six or eight months of filing for them. We have baby sitters in the U.S for God sake. These visas can go to able and young permanent resident spouses and kids that really want to contribute to the growth of this great country. I want you to please do the math Jock, they have their spouses here, they have their children here with them and maybe their brothers and sister, and they (citizens) still file for their aged Mothers. This is greediness. My husband is not even in the U.S not to talk of having kids. I am in my thirties; I have been going back and forth to Africa just to see if I can get Pregnant. Two months is not enough to get pregnant of course you are under stress and anxiety. Your employer can only allow you to travel for so much, because you are not the only married employee. I am crying as I type and only God sees me. Please let our SPOUSES come in as soon as possible, although we are not citizens yet but we have to be treated fairly when it comes to petitions and availability of visas to MAMAS or husbands, wives and children. Lastly, Jock I think something is wrong now, the processing time for I130 was dated January 3rd 2008, that was the date posted on Sept 16th and 28th respectively. But it was moved back three years in the Oct. 19th posting. Remember you promised us all in the beginning that the processing time will always be accurate. So what is going here?
    Thanks

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 31, 2008 1:30 PM  

  • Hello, Jonathan “Jock” Scharfen

    I am an U.S. Citizen, I submitted an I-130 Petition for my foregin born wife in May 2006, My petition is still pending at California Service Center.

    I sent a letter to your office, it came back. Why does it take 3 years to do a background check for U.S. Citizens.

    By Blogger Imam, At October 31, 2008 1:45 PM  

  • MR Director,
    I really don’t know what is going on with VSC and CSC regard I-130 and K3 for USC. These two centers especially VSC almost stopped approving these applications. VSC still working on February/March since July 2008. Please Mr. Director, do something it’s become unbelievable and nightmare the way VSC is performing. I wonder why LPR were complaining all these years. I really start feel very sorry for LPR families and kids if that is the way VSC is treating US citizens.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At October 31, 2008 2:54 PM  

  • Sir,
    You talk about Citizenship test but who looks after the state of affairs at NSC regarding I-140 EB3s filed in July of 2007. Here is the data from a private website that clearly shows that NSC is currently adjudicating August 2007 application leaving aside all those filed earlier.. Hope this will be an eye opener as we humbly request to look into the issue personally.


    Country of Chargeability I-140 Sent Date USCIS Received Date USCIS Receipt Date USICS Approve date

    India 08/20/2007 08/23/2007 09/09/2007 10/31/2008
    Pakistan 08/15/2007 08/16/2007 10/15/2007 10/29/2008
    Slovakia 08/13/2007 08/14/2007 10/10/2007 10/28/2008
    South 08/15/2007 08/17/2007 10/05/2007 10/27/2008
    India 08/10/2007 08/15/2007 09/20/2007 10/21/2008
    India 08/11/2007 08/13/2007 09/25/2007 10/21/2008
    Germany 08/14/2007 08/15/2007 10/02/2007 10/16/2008
    India 08/15/2007 08/17/2007 09/26/2007 10/16/2008
    Australia 08/14/2007 08/16/2007 10/01/2007 10/15/2008
    India 08/07/2007 08/08/2007 09/09/2007 10/14/2008
    India 08/16/2007 08/18/2007 10/03/2007 10/10/2008
    India 08/15/2007 08/16/2007 10/12/2007 10/10/2008
    India 08/09/2007 08/12/2007 09/21/2007 10/07/2008
    India 08/14/2007 08/16/2007 10/04/2007 10/02/2008
    India 08/01/2007 08/06/2007 09/19/2007 10/01/2008
    India 08/08/2007 09/26/2007 10/10/2007 10/01/2008
    India 08/15/2007 09/28/2007 10/12/2007 09/30/2008
    South 08/15/2007 08/16/2007 10/16/2007 09/29/2008
    India 08/14/2007 08/16/2007 10/13/2007 09/23/2008
    India 08/13/2007 09/26/2007 10/10/2007 09/20/2008
    India 08/15/2007 08/16/2007 10/04/2007 09/16/2008
    India 08/14/2007 08/15/2007 10/02/2007 09/15/2008
    India 08/15/2007 08/16/2007 10/05/2007 09/12/2008
    India 08/05/2007 08/07/2007 09/17/2007 09/04/2008
    India 08/09/2007 08/11/2007 08/26/2007 08/25/2008

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 2, 2008 1:20 AM  

  • Very good idea about changing the Naturalization Test .
    Let's suppose all the members of the US Senate and House of Representative are not US citizens , including the President.
    All of them will apply for citizenship today filing Form N-400
    How many will pass to be US citizens taking in consideration the answer on N-400 , Part.10 Additional questions ,question 10?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 3, 2008 1:20 AM  

  • in the new test ,where the answer is more than one , should you answer all or just one?

    i.e \2. What does the Constitution do?

    * sets up the government
    * defines the government
    * protects basic rights of Americans

    one answer will be acceptable?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 3, 2008 12:33 PM  

  • I do not agree with arclight or anyone that agrees with him or her. Most of the questions that are on the citizenship quiz can NOT be answered by Americans. Let us not forget that the founding fathers came here for the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps, Native Americans should have quizzed immigrating Europeans on their culture and civilizations to judge if the should be allowed to come to this continent before it became the USA. Moreover, I believe that latin and central Americans should not have to apply for citizenship because this was their land long before it was the USA.

    By Anonymous SF, At November 3, 2008 9:02 PM  

  • I think uscis should focus/spend time, money, & energy on more important matters such as bringing families together instead of redesigning citizenship questions. More than half of natural born Americans do not know the answer to more than half of the questions!!! What's the point? Did uscis have extra budget they wanted to spend on something and did not know what? WORK ON I-130s PLEASE!!! BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 2:48 AM  

  • Arclight,

    Most of your suggestions are covered in the New Guide to Immigrants that can be accesed via the USCIS website.

    http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 8:18 AM  

  • In response to previous question, only one answer is expected, though, no one will muzzle your voice if you say more than one. One could also answer by saying that the US constitution serves many purposes, for example, and you can say more than one thing.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 9:01 AM  

  • I want to respond to all those who want to argue that just because natural born citizens cannot perform well on the citizenship test or have poor English, the naturalization requirements should be easier for immigrants.

    Guess what, those that were born here are lucky and they do not have to take the test. For any immigrant to claim the same privileges is unreasonable. Becoming a US citizen is not a right regardless of what you have contributed or paid taxes or mastered civics or become fluent in English. Naturalization is a gift from the American people, and therefore, it makes perfect sense to institute higher standards.

    BTW, I was also an immigrant and got naturalized recently and must congratulate the USCIS for making it happen in just 4 months.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 9:08 AM  

  • Mr. Director, here is a comment from one of the people who is suffering from the way VSC operate I would like to share
    “Not that there is a rhyme or reason to the way that VSC operates but why do they penalize the spouses of US citizens (and not to forget the US citizen petitioners themselves)? From a quick scan of the timeline data it seems that the I-129F petition for K1 is processed in 3-4 months on the average but one for the K3 takes 8 months or more. It almost seems that they place a higher priority on uniting US citizens with their fiancees than with their spouses. Not that I am suggesting that it should be the other way around (everyone is entitled to be united with their loved ones) but is a little more parity too much to ask for?

    There is much more parity at CSC where both types of petitions take about the same amount of time (which makes more sense) - the K3 even being slightly faster than the K1. I started the K3 process in September and I am getting a little depressed just thinking about how long of a wait I have ahead of me before I can get on with my life with my wife in the US with me and the sad thing is there is not much I can do about it. Thanks for reading this rant. Any insights if any into VSC's rationales would be appreciated.”

    Please Mr. Director, people keep asking you for months now to do something about VSC processing time regard I-130 and K3 for US citizen spouses and kids.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 9:17 AM  

  • I would like to know why it cost so much to take this test? Also, you should'nt need some big test to be a citizen. America is suppose to be the land of the free and the home of the brave.If men are willing to be a citizen then they are willing to serve this country for one month in an army training camp.thats it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At November 4, 2008 10:55 AM  

  • Hello Mr. Scharfen.
    me and my fmaily have done finger printing on September 2nd and yet to receive a call for interview. Are we eligible to receive the booklet that mentioned above? and if yes, where can we get it?

    Thanks!
    -Jahnvee

    By Anonymous Jahnvee, At November 4, 2008 1:11 PM  

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