U.S. Citizenship Test and H-1B Visa Program Face Significant Changes
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under new director Joseph Edlow, is planning a major overhaul of the citizenship exam, aiming to implement a more challenging version reminiscent of changes proposed during President Donald Trump’s first term. Edlow has criticized the current test, which requires applicants to answer six out of ten civics questions correctly from a pre-provided list of 100, as too simple and reliant on memorization rather than a deep understanding of American governance and history.
The proposed revisions may mirror a 2020 pilot that required 12 correct answers out of 20 questions. This potential shift has sparked debate. Supporters argue it promotes a stronger grasp of U.S. principles, while critics contend it could create barriers for immigrants, particularly those with limited English proficiency, refugees, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
A 2022 pilot program testing a multiple-choice format and an English-speaking component, where applicants described images, was discontinued in December 2024 after over 1,300 public comments highlighted concerns about increased difficulty and accessibility issues. The 2008 test version remains in use for now.
In addition, the H-1B visa program is slated for reform. In July, Edlow announced plans to revise the program, which currently issues 85,000 visas annually through a lottery system. The proposed changes would prioritize companies offering higher wages to foreign workers, aiming to prevent the use of the program for low-cost labor. A new rule, titled “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions,” has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review, though details remain limited.
Edlow, in an interview with The New York Times, said the changes aim to ensure the program supplements, rather than supplants, U.S. workers, addressing concerns from some Republicans that it undermines American jobs. “I think it absolutely should be a net positive,” Edlow stated, emphasizing that immigration should serve national economic interests.
The H-1B reforms have drawn mixed reactions. Tech industry figures like Elon Musk, who initially defended the program in December but now supports reform, highlight its role in addressing talent shortages.
However, critics, including Vice President JD Vance, argue it allows companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Former Biden official Doug Rand has questioned the legality of prioritizing high-wage earners, suggesting it strays from the program’s original intent to hire skilled international graduates.
The proposed changes to both the citizenship test and the H-1B program must navigate the federal rulemaking process, which could face opposition from businesses and advocacy groups. While no lawsuits have been filed, immigration advocates may challenge the reforms in court, where outcomes at the District Court level remain unpredictable.
The Trump admin is planning to adjust the citizenship test to make it harder.
— Crémieux (@cremieuxrecueil) July 27, 2025
My big hope is that they'll also consider adding more literacy testing.
8 U.S. Code § 1423 requires immigrants to know English to be naturalized, but this is clearly not meaningfully enforced. pic.twitter.com/QaZ9sJMgdG
