Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a Federal Register notice confirming the implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test. The updated test is designed to better evaluate applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government, aligning with statutory requirements and reinforcing the importance of fully embracing American values.
Naturalization grants immigrants the opportunity to become full members of American society, carrying both rights and responsibilities. The revised civics test is part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of the naturalization process and ensure it reflects the intent of Congress.
“American citizenship is the most sacred in the world and must be earned by those who respect our values and principles,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “By requiring applicants to demonstrate English proficiency and a strong understanding of U.S. civics, the American people can trust that new citizens will contribute meaningfully to our nation.”
Key Policy Updates
USCIS has introduced several measures to strengthen the naturalization process, including:
- Enhanced vetting for all applicants.
- Stricter reviews for disability exceptions to English and civics requirements.
- Guidance for officers to assess not just the absence of misconduct but also positive contributions to society.
- Resumption of neighborhood investigations to verify eligibility and integrity.
- Clear disqualifications for unlawful voting, false citizenship claims, or illegal voter registration.
These updates aim to ensure that citizenship is granted only to those who meet all statutory requirements and demonstrate commitment to the principles of American democracy.
In the coming months, USCIS will roll out additional initiatives to further safeguard the naturalization process. Applicants can access updated study materials, test information, and preparation guides through the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
