The History of the U.S. Citizenship Test
Immigration and naturalization (the process of becoming a citizen) have been a part of American history since the colonies were first established. The requirements to become naturalized have changed over time, and in 1986 the standardized "Citizenship Test" was implemented. In 2008, the test was revised and is still a part of the naturalization process today.
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Early Naturalization Requirements
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The first naturalization act was enacted by Congress in 1790. It stated that any free, white, adult male or female who had lived within the United States for at least two years was eligible for citizenship. If they had resided in one place for at least a year, they could apply to any court to prove that they were of "good moral character" and take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Over time, additional legislation made the process more complicated.
The U.S. Citizenship Test
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Since 1986, a civics test has been part of the naturalization process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes a list of 100 questions and answers that could be asked during the naturalization interview. The questions focus on knowledge of U.S. government and history. During the interview, a candidate for naturalization is asked 10 questions from the list of 100. The candidate must answer six of the 10 questions correctly to pass the U.S. Citizenship Test.
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2008 Revisions
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In 2008, the Citizenship Test was revised to focus more on the workings of American democracy and less on "factoids" such as "Who wrote the Star Spangled Banner?" It also better incorporated the influence and role of women, Native Americans, and African Americans in the history of the United States. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the test is designed to require even the most educated of individuals to review the material.
Criticism of the Test
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Both the original 1986 Citizenship Test and the revised 2008 version have received criticism. Advocates for immigration rights argue that the test is too hard and punitive for candidates. On the other hand, those who support limits on immigration have argued that the test is far too easy; according to the Washington Post, the 2008 revision seems to have placated some of those critics. Although the United States has no official language, the test is given in English, making the language the de facto official language of the United States, and many immigration advocates have found that to be unfair.
Test Exemptions
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Most people looking to become naturalized citizens of the U.S. must pass the Citizenship Test. However, certain exemptions and accommodations exist. For example, if a candidate is 50 years old and has lived in the United States for 20 years, she may be eligible to take the Citizenship Test in her non-English native language. Additionally, there are exemptions from the English language and Citizenship Test requirement for candidates with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities that impair their ability to take it.
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References
- Rocky Mountain Regional National Archives and Records Administration: Background History of the United States Naturalization Process
- The New York Times: New Test Asks: What Does 'American' Mean?
- Welcome To USA.gov: Naturalization Test Study Materials
- The Washington Post: U.S. Citizenship Process Is Getting a History Test
Resources
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