Biden Administration is Rolling Back Trump-era Citizenship Test

Due to COVID-19 and the change in presidential administration, the immigration process has faced a lot of changes and delays. For example, the Trump administration’s updated citizenship test made the immigration process much more difficult. As a result, the Biden administration is rolling back the test. Read on for more information.

Do I Qualify for Naturalization?

To qualify for naturalization as a United States citizen, individuals must meet several qualifications. To become a U.S. citizen, you will have to do the following:

• Be at least 18 years old and a permanent resident for at least 5 of those years
• Prove your physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before filing Form N-400.
• Prove you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply
• Prove that you are a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate that you are committed to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
• Communicate in English, via reading, writing, and speaking.
• Have a sufficient understanding of United States civics and history.
• Prove your continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years before the date of filing Form N-400.

What is the Citizenship Test?

In order to become a citizen, it is usually required that you have knowledge of U.S. History, government, and the English language. This may change depending on the case. Those who are over the age of 50 and have lived in the country for over 20 years are exempt from the language requirement but still must pass the civics test. The same standard holds true for a person over the age of 55 who has lived in the country for over 15 years.

What Changes Were Made?

Recently, the test was made more difficult. Participants were required to answer more questions. The old test required applicants to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly in order to pass. The new test requires applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions in order to achieve a passing score. Additionally, the questions were arguably harder to answer.

What Changes Are Currently Being Made?

According to CNN, “the update goes into effect on March 1 and there will be a brief period during which the agency may offer both versions of the test to accommodate applicants who were already studying for the Trump-era version.”

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

We understand how much is on the line when clients face matters related to immigration. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for matters regarding immigration, please contact the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC and we would be happy to provide you with assistance. Our firm is located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.