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Citizenship Test Gets Overhaul

New questions focus less on the nitty-gritty

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2007 1:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – The government yesterday unveiled its new citizenship test, which puts less emphasis on memorization of facts and more on analysis. To become naturalized, it's no longer enough for applicants to know how many stars or stripes are on the flag, but they may need to ID a constitutional amendment that addresses voting rights, the LA Times reports.

The test "genuinely captures the applicant's knowledge of what it is he's about ready to be, a United States citizen," said the head of Citizenship and Immigration Services. It consists of 10 questions from the newly released list of 100; applicants must correctly answer six to pass. The revamped exam goes into effect next October.

Immigrants Become Citizens At Naturalization Ceremony (Getty Images)

Immigrants Become US Citizens At Naturalization Ceremony (Getty Images)

New Citizens Sworn In At "Democracy Plaza" In New York (Getty Images)

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Citizenship Test Gets Overhaul

New questions focus less on the nitty-gritty

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Citizenship Test Moves Beyond Trivia

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Number naturalized soared 50% in 2007

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New questions focus less on the nitty-gritty

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Background

Related coverage

citizenship • Citizenship and Immigration Services • naturalization • immigrant • citizenship test

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

1M New Citizens Break Century Record

Fee increase helps immigration service clear huge backlog

France May Toss Out Polygamist Foreigners

Along with those who practice female genital mutilation

Citizenship Test Moves Beyond Trivia

Immigrants worry about potential for abuse

Citizenship Fees Up, Applications Down

59% decline seen after charge to would-be citizens rises from $400 to $675

More Mexican Immigrants Becoming US Citizens

Number naturalized soared 50% in 2007

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?