July 25, 2019

New American Members of Congress Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Proposed Changes to Citizenship Test

Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it is revising the naturalization test for the first time in ten years

As first-generation immigrants, the members of the Congressional New Americans Caucus took the test themselves to become U.S. citizens

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL), members of the Congressional New Americans Caucus, sent a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli seeking answers regarding the Trump Administration's proposed changes to the naturalization test, which immigrants must pass to become U.S. citizens.

"While we do not oppose the continued revision of this test, it is imperative that any changes made to the test do not create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for those qualified permanent residents who seek U.S. citizenship, especially given the long processing delays that many applicants face. As Members of Congress who ourselves took this test to become U.S. citizens, we know first-hand the challenge that this test poses for prospective citizens, and the importance of carefully weighing any changes to the test," the federal lawmakers wrote.

The Congressional New Americans Caucus is comprised of first-generation immigrants and provides a forum to educate all Members of Congress about issues related to New Americans and public service. In the 116th Congress, the most diverse Congress in history, Caucus members hail from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, India, Taiwan, Ecuador, Somalia, and Cuba, among other countries.

Full text of the letter is below:

Dear Acting Director Cuccinelli,

We write regarding upcoming changes to the naturalization test, as announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on July 19, 2019. While we do not oppose the continued revision of this test, it is imperative that any changes made to the test do not create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for those qualified permanent residents who seek U.S. citizenship, especially given the long processing delays that many applicants face. As Members of Congress who ourselves took this test to become U.S. citizens, we know first-hand the challenge that this test poses for prospective citizens, and the importance of carefully weighing any changes to the test.

We therefore request answers to the following questions:

  1. Which USCIS officials are part of the "naturalization test working group"
  2. What input has the "naturalization test working group" solicited or received from officials at the White House?
  3. Which non-governmental organizations or outside experts have been consulted thus far regarding the revision of the naturalization tests? Which non-governmental organizations or outside experts does USCIS intend to consult?
  4. What factors did USCIS take into account when choosing the timing for this process?

We respectfully request that you provide written answers to these questions no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of this letter. We would also welcome the opportunity to continue to work with you as this process advances.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,