U.S. Citizenship test changes are coming, raising concerns for those with low English skills | Trisha Ahmed / The Associated Press / Report for America

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U.S. Citizenship test changes are coming, raising concerns for those with low English skills | Trisha Ahmed / The Associated Press / Report for America
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The naturalization test is one of the final steps toward citizenship—a monthslong process that requires legal permanent residency for years before applying. Know more:

The naturalization test is one of the final steps toward citizenship—a monthslong process that requires legal permanent residency for years before applying.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services proposes that the new test adds a speaking section to assess English skills. An officer would show photos of ordinary scenarios—like daily activities, weather or food—and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos. Mehreta, 32, said she learned English as an adult after moving to the US and found pronunciation to be very difficult. She worries that adding a new speaking section based on photos, rather than personal questions, will make the test harder for others like her.

Bill Bliss, a citizenship textbook author in Massachusetts, gave an example in a blog post of how the test would become more difficult because it would require a larger base of knowledge. Lynne Weintraub, a citizenship coordinator at Jones Library’s English as a Second Language Center in Massachusetts, said the proposed format for the civics section could make the citizenship test harder for people who struggle with English literacy. That includes refugees, elderly immigrants and people with disabilities that interfere with their test performance.

Under federal law, most applicants seeking citizenship must demonstrate an understanding of the English language—including an ability to speak, read and write words in ordinary usage—and demonstrate knowledge of US history and government. In the US test, applicants must answer six out of 10 questions correctly to pass. About 96% of applicants pass the test, according to recent estimates. The test is at a “high beginner” level of English, Goodman said, and a question bank with answers is made available to study beforehand.

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