Trump introduces tougher US citizenship test – can you pass?

The Trump Administration Revives a More Challenging U.S. Citizenship Test

The Trump administration has introduced a revised and more complex version of the U.S. citizenship test, designed to make the process of obtaining American citizenship more rigorous. This new version is part of broader efforts to tighten legal immigration pathways and ensure that only those who meet strict criteria can become naturalized citizens.

The 2025 civics test includes 28 new questions, many of which were previously included in the short-lived 2020 version of the test. As a result, the total number of possible questions has increased to 128. Applicants will now be required to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, up from the previous requirement of six out of 10. This shift reflects a move toward more in-depth understanding of U.S. history, government, and civic responsibilities.

Changes in Question Format and Content

The updated test features significant changes in both the format and content of the questions. There are fewer one-word or simplified answers and more detailed questions that require applicants to explain concepts rather than simply recall facts. For example, instead of asking “who” the U.S. fought in World War II, the new test asks, “why” the U.S. became involved in the war. Another question on the test asks, “What founding document was written in 1787?” rather than “When was the Constitution written?”

These changes aim to assess a deeper understanding of U.S. history and governance. While applicants are not required to provide exact answers from the test materials, they are encouraged to do so. The goal is to ensure that those seeking citizenship have a solid grasp of the principles that underpin American democracy.

Example Questions from the New Test

Here are five sample questions from the 2025 citizenship test:

• Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution
• Why is the Electoral College important?
• The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
• Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
• Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?

Impact on Applicants

The new test will be administered to individuals who file applications on or after October 20. Like the 2020 version, it removes many geography questions and eliminates those with simple, one-word answers. The test also includes revised wording for some answers, reflecting the Trump administration's emphasis on specific interpretations of U.S. law and policy.

One notable change is the inclusion of an answer to the question “how can people become United States citizens” that aligns with President Donald Trump’s views on birthright citizenship. The answer states, “be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment,” which differs from the 2020 version’s simpler response: “be born in the United States.”

Reactions to the Changes

Critics argue that these modifications make it more difficult for long-time residents to achieve U.S. citizenship. Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, a senior policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, told CBS News that the changes could prevent individuals who contribute to the country daily from gaining the permanent protections that come with citizenship.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Matthew Tragesser, emphasized that the revised test ensures only those who meet all eligibility requirements—such as being able to read, write, and speak English and understand U.S. government and civics—are allowed to naturalize. According to Tragesser, this helps ensure that new citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness.

Answers to the Sample Questions

Here are the answers to the five example questions provided:

• Equality. Liberty. Social contract. Natural rights. Limited government. Self-government.
• It decides who is elected president. It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
• Out of many, one. We all become one.
• To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait.
• To more closely follow public opinion.

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