DANIELS LAW OFFICES
The U.S. citizenship test is in the process of being updated after 5 years, with the new version expected later in 2024. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has proposed the new test to have a section to assess verbal English skills. The officer would ask the applicant to verbally describe ordinary photos of activities such as weather or food. Currently, the test evaluates speaking ability through asking the applicant personal questions that have already been answered in their naturalization paperwork. Some immigrants and advocates are concerned about this change in the English speaking part of the citizenship test. Another proposed change would make the civics section covering U.S. history and government to be multiple-choice rather than the current verbal short-answer format.
Our Analysis
Migrants have expressed their concern over the proposed changes to the English-speaking section of the citizenship test. For example, some are concerned the speaking section based on photos rather than personal questions will make the test harder and could increase the stress applicants are already feeling. Advocates have argued that the proposed change regarding the civics section on U.S. history and government may require a larger base of knowledge if it is changed to multiple choice questioning rather than the current verbal short answers.
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