Starting October 20, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will enforce stricter requirements for green card holders applying for U.S. citizenship. The revamped process includes a more demanding civics test and a closer look at applicants’ moral character, signaling a shift toward heightened vetting. These changes come as part of ongoing efforts by USCIS to “restore integrity” to the naturalization process.
As part of the new rules, applicants for citizenship will face a revised civics test that places more emphasis on U.S. history and government. For many, this represents a significant shift in the naturalization process. The stricter criteria aim to ensure only those fully embracing U.S. values become citizens, according to USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. Along with the tougher test, applicants’ “good moral character” will be scrutinized more thoroughly, marking a notable change in how eligibility is assessed.
New Civics Test: A Higher Bar for Applicants
For green card holders applying for citizenship after October 20, the most noticeable change will be the 2025 civics test. The number of questions will increase, and applicants will now have to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from a pool of 128 questions. This is a substantial increase from the previous requirement, where applicants needed to answer just six out of 10 questions correctly.
Special consideration remains for older applicants. Green card holders aged 65 and above who have held their cards for 20 years or more will face a reduced test of only 10 questions, needing to answer six correctly. Despite the accommodation, the new format signals an overall trend toward more rigorous expectations for potential citizens. Additionally, applicants are permitted to take the test twice; however, failing a second time will result in the denial of their citizenship application, according to USCIS.
Assessing “Good Moral Character” through In-Depth Investigations
In addition to the civics test, applicants will undergo a more thorough evaluation of their moral character. While applicants have always been required to demonstrate moral integrity, USCIS is tightening the scope of this review. Instead of merely avoiding criminal activity, applicants must show they have positively contributed to society.
This broader definition of moral character may include neighborhood investigations, a practice not widely used since 1991. These investigations could involve interviews with employers, coworkers, and community members, as well as the review of testimonial letters. USCIS officers will determine whether such inquiries are necessary on a case-by-case basis. The intent behind this new scrutiny is to ensure that applicants will not only assimilate into American society but will actively uphold and support its values.
