The newly appointed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, is calling for a complete overhaul of the naturalization process.
His aim is to restore what he believes to be the original intent of Congress. That intent is to ensure that only well-assimilated and civically knowledgeable immigrants gain American citizenship.
Edlow has raised strong concerns about the current naturalization test, arguing that it has become too lenient and no longer reflects the standards expected of new Americans. His proposed reforms would significantly reshape the way U.S. immigration officers assess applicants for citizenship.
Naturalization Process: Why Edlow Wants Change
Under the current naturalization process, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) must pass a two-part exam to become U.S. citizens. First, they answer six out of ten civics questions correctly. These questions are randomly selected from a pool of 100. Topics include U.S. history, the Constitution, geography, and civic duties. Second, applicants must demonstrate basic English literacy by reading one sentence aloud and writing another correctly.
Edlow believes this process doesn’t go far enough.
“The test doesn’t reflect the spirit or letter of what Congress intended,” he said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “It should test real assimilation, not just memorized facts.”
English Language Skills at the Core of the Debate
Edlow argues that English proficiency should be evaluated more holistically. Rather than relying solely on one reading and one writing exercise, he wants adjudicators to assess English skills throughout the full naturalization interview.
His approach would require applicants to demonstrate comprehension during fluid conversations. He believes switching up question formats mid-interview could test real understanding—rather than rehearsed answers.
“Adjudicators should listen more during interviews,” he said. “Ask the same questions in different ways to test if the applicant truly understands.”
His push aligns with a recent executive order recognizing English as the national language, reinforcing his claim that language fluency is fundamental to American identity.
Citizenship Test Reform: What Might Change?
Though specifics are still unfolding, Edlow hinted at multiple changes under review:
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A revised civics test that includes broader questions on American values and principles.
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A deeper emphasis on U.S. history, constitutional rights, and democratic responsibilities.
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Expanded English testing throughout the interview.
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Possible adjustments to what counts as a passing score.
These changes are not yet law. USCIS must follow federal rulemaking procedures, including public comments and stakeholder feedback, before implementing such reforms. However, the tone from leadership is clear: the naturalization process will become more rigorous.
The Naturalization Test Has Long Been a Political Target
This isn’t the first time the civics test has come under scrutiny. In 2020, the Trump administration introduced a more difficult version of the exam, expanding the pool of questions to 128 and increasing the number applicants had to answer. The Biden administration rolled it back to the older 2008 version, arguing that the Trump-era changes made the test unnecessarily difficult and discouraged eligible immigrants.
Edlow now wants to revisit that harder approach—not to make the test punitive, but to make it meaningful.
Naturalization and the American Identity
Edlow’s proposed changes tie into a broader debate about assimilation, national values, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
He believes the naturalization process should reflect not just eligibility, but readiness.
“Citizenship is not just a benefit,” he said. “It’s a duty. It’s a statement that you understand, accept, and are prepared to live out American values.”
Beyond the Test: Naturalization Backlogs and National Security
Edlow also highlighted another urgent issue: the growing backlog of naturalization applications. He views it as more than just a bureaucratic delay. In his words, “It’s a national security threat.”
As of mid-2025, USCIS is managing a backlog of over 9 million pending immigration applications, including hundreds of thousands of naturalization cases. Processing delays stretch many cases beyond 12 months, and in some areas, beyond 18.
Edlow blamed the previous administration for redirecting resources to handle the southern border crisis, thereby neglecting legal immigration services.
“We have to reallocate and prioritize again,” he said. “But we will not cut corners.”
Fixing the System Without Sacrificing Integrity
Despite the urgency, Edlow insists that speed cannot come at the expense of fairness or national integrity.
“There may be short-term pain,” he said, referring to changes in workflows and applicant expectations. “But the long-term gain is a process we can trust.”
He plans to implement more training for adjudicators, use automation tools to speed up low-risk cases, and ensure consistency in how decisions are made across regional field offices.
H-1B Visa Exploitation Tied to Broader Reform Goals
Edlow’s vision goes beyond the naturalization process. He’s also targeting abuse within the H-1B visa system—a program that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and finance.
“Employers are picking top-tier talent, but paying bottom-tier wages,” he said. “It’s a loophole that’s hurting American workers.”
Some tech companies, he added, use third-party contractors to replace U.S. employees with foreign workers. “Sometimes, American workers are forced to train the people who will replace them.”
The statement echoes criticism from Vice President JD Vance, who blasted Microsoft for laying off thousands of U.S. workers while applying for thousands of new H-1B visas.
To fix this, Edlow said USCIS will work closely with the Department of Labor to:
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Conduct site inspections to verify job roles and wage levels.
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Audit employment records and verify compliance with visa terms.
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Penalize employers who abuse the system.
He emphasized that visas should only go to workers “commensurate with the actual roles being filled.”
Revisiting the Public Charge Rule
The new USCIS leadership is also preparing to revisit the public charge rule—a longstanding immigration provision that denies green cards to those likely to become dependent on public benefits.
The Trump administration expanded the rule to include non-cash benefits like housing vouchers and Medicaid. The Biden administration rolled that back, removing many of the added restrictions.
Now, Edlow wants to revisit it again.
“We need to define what burden means, and what benefits count,” he said. “This is about protecting taxpayers and ensuring sustainable immigration.”
Any change to the public charge rule would also go through the federal rulemaking process, requiring legal review and public feedback.
How These Moves Affect Aspiring Citizens
The naturalization process could soon become more demanding. Applicants should prepare for more than just memorized answers.
Instead, they’ll likely face:
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In-depth interviews testing conversational English.
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More varied and complex civics questions.
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A greater emphasis on understanding constitutional principles.
Edlow’s message is clear: Citizenship must be earned, not assumed.
For those planning to apply, it’s wise to start preparing early. Focus on English fluency, learn U.S. history beyond the basics, and understand the structure of government.
Why the Naturalization Process Still Matters
Despite the growing complexity, becoming a U.S. citizen brings immense benefits. Citizens can vote in federal elections, apply for federal jobs, and sponsor more family members for green cards.
They also gain protection from deportation, expanded travel privileges, and eligibility for U.S. passports.
But most importantly, citizenship confers a permanent place in the American story.
That’s why changes to the naturalization process matter so deeply. They redefine what it means to become an American.
What to Expect Next from USCIS
Expect the agency to publish proposed changes to the test format and naturalization interview guidelines in the coming months. Stakeholders—including immigrant advocacy groups, legal experts, and the public—will have a chance to weigh in.
Final rules may not take effect until late 2025 or 2026. Until then, the current version of the naturalization test remains in place.
Strong Support for Prepared Applicants
If you’re planning to apply for citizenship, this is the time to get it right. Strong English skills, a deep understanding of U.S. civics, and correct documentation will matter more than ever.
Avoid shortcuts. Seek legal help if your case is complex or if you’ve had immigration issues in the past.
Maple Crest Immigration Law can help you prepare a strong, complete application. From reviewing your eligibility to guiding you through interview preparation, our team ensures that you’re ready—not just on paper, but in confidence.
Need help with securing your path to citizenship? Reach out to us now for a consultation.
