The naturalization and citizenship exam in Kentucky has been reviewed and updated. An executive order from President Biden has led to the U.S. government reverting to a version of the test implemented in 2008.
What is the naturalization and citizenship test?
Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the naturalization and citizenship civics exam tests basic knowledge of the country’s history, governmental operations and Constitutional principles. Immigrants must pass the exam to become citizens.
What’s different between the 2008 and 2020 naturalization and citizenship tests?
Every 10 years, authorities review the test and update its process. That last overhaul was done in 2020. However, President Biden’s February 2021 Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems called for a review of the latest exam.
Analysts tasked with the evaluation concluded that the implementation schedule, content, development process and testing procedures might inadvertently create unnecessary obstacles to citizenship. As such, they’re scrapping the 2020 plan and reverting to the 2008 procedures. Press releases regarding the switch stress the amount of time and consideration put into the 2008 version, implying that the same care was not taken when developing the 2020 version.
USCIS reverting to 2008 naturalization and citizenship test
On March 1, 2021, the USCIS announced it would revert to the test compiled in 2008 instead of the 2020 version. Applicants who filed between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021, can choose which version they want to take, but everyone else will use the older process.
If you want to get on the path to naturalized citizenship, an immigration attorney can be a tremendous asset throughout your journey. An experienced legal professional could help you with testing issues and other requirements of the citizenship process.