The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to enforce stricter citizenship eligibility rules starting October 20. Under the new regime, applicants seeking naturalization must pass a more demanding civics exam and satisfy a broader standard of “good moral character.”
What’s Changing
- Applicants who file their N-400 (naturalization) on or after October 20 will be required to take the updated 2025 civics test.
- Instead of needing to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly, applicants will now need to correctly answer 12 out of 20. These questions will come from a larger pool of up to 128.
- For applicants aged 65 or older who have held a green card for at least 20 years, the exam will remain 10 questions, with a passing requirement of six correct answers.
- Applicants are allowed two attempts; failing both will result in denial.
Enhanced “Good Moral Character” Scrutiny
USCIS will no longer limit its evaluation of moral character to simply the absence of criminal violations. The agency will adopt a holistic approach, factoring in an applicant’s positive community contributions, conduct, and adherence to societal norms. Inspectors may use “neighborhood investigations,” including statements from people who know the applicant, to form their evaluation.
Why This Matters
These changes reflect an effort to reinforce the integrity of the naturalization process. They are designed to ensure that new citizens not only understand U.S. history and government but also demonstrate behavior aligned with public values. The reforms may make the citizenship path more demanding, particularly for those who had previously qualified under less stringent requirements.
