On Oct. 20, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the U.S. citizenship civics test. These changes include 28 more questions than the old version, no geography questions, early termination rules, extra complex questions, and more.
These modifications have caused an uproar among immigration advocates, educators, and aspiring citizens, who argue that the new version of the test is too difficult and unjust in more than one way.
Ellie Hansen, a senior at Blackman High School, related to these concerns: “I feel it is unfair because making the civics test harder creates an unnecessary barrier for immigrants who are trying to become U.S. citizens, especially those who cannot speak English and have limited education. Making the process harder just discourages those who are trying their hardest and want to contribute to this country.”
The old version of the U.S. The civics test was considered manageable but still challenging by many who have taken the test; however, the updated version has raised the bar significantly more, and not just the people, but even students have taken notice of these changes.
“I feel as if it was already hard enough to get into the country. They do not need to increase the difficulty of the exam. As a descendant of British and Scottish immigrants, this issue hit close to home for a guy like me,” senior Cooper Pittman shared.
Overall, the 2025 changes to the U.S. citizenship civics test have changed more than some had expected.
Whether these changes are a good or bad thing depends on how they affect future citizens from all walks of life.
