Joseph Edlow, the new Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced a policy shift that will affect two of the most significant areas of U.S. immigration: the H-1B visa system and the naturalization process.
The proposed changes focus on restructuring how foreign workers are admitted and how immigrants qualify for U.S. citizenship—beginning with sweeping citizenship test reforms.
Edlow’s message is clear: both programs must be revised to better reflect the needs of the American economy, uphold national integrity, and restore public trust in the immigration system.
Citizenship Test Reforms Will Reinstate Stricter Standards
Naturalization Requires Stronger Knowledge
Lawful permanent residents must pass a civics test to become U.S. citizens. The test checks their knowledge of U.S. history, the Constitution, and civic duties.
Return to the 2020 Test Format
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow plans to bring back the tougher 2020 version of the test. That version was introduced under the Trump administration.
Current Test Rules
Applicants study 100 official questions. During the interview, USCIS asks 10 of them. To pass, you must answer at least 6 correctly.
What Will Change
Under the proposed change:
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The number of study questions will increase to 128
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Applicants will be asked 20 questions
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You must get at least 12 correct to pass
Focus on Deeper Understanding
USCIS wants to go beyond memorization. The goal is to test real understanding of U.S. values and government.
The agency believes a more rigorous test will create better-informed citizens.
Comparing Current vs. Proposed Citizenship Test Format
| Criteria | Current Version (2008 format) | Proposed Version (2020 format) |
|---|---|---|
| Study Questions Available | 100 | 128 |
| Questions Asked | 10 | 20 |
| Correct Answers Needed | 6 | 12 |
| Style | Short-form Q&A | Longer, explanatory questions |
For green card holders who are eligible, now is the time to apply before stricter rules take effect. USCIS has not yet confirmed a launch date for the new version but will follow the federal rulemaking process, including public notice and comment periods, before implementation.
The Real-World Impact of Citizenship Test Reforms
Higher Risk of Failure for Many Applicants
Citizenship test reforms affect real people. Every year, thousands of immigrants take the civics test to become U.S. citizens.
If you fail the civics portion, USCIS gives only one chance to retake it. A tougher exam increases the chance of failure—especially for seniors, people with limited education, or those still learning English.
Advocates Warn of Unequal Impact
Lawyers and immigration advocates are concerned. They say older applicants and low-literacy immigrants may struggle more under the 2020 version of the test.
Many of these concerns were raised in 2020. Lawsuits followed. The test was later scrapped in 2021 due to these legal and public pressure.
Uncertain Accommodations for Vulnerable Groups
USCIS has said it will collect feedback from experts and immigrant groups before finalizing changes.
However, the agency has not promised to restore earlier exemptions for seniors or people with disabilities. That leaves many vulnerable applicants in a difficult position.
Behind the Push for Citizenship Test Reforms
Edlow’s policy stance closely mirrors the immigration priorities of the Trump administration, which emphasized enforcement, nationalism, and reducing dependency on foreign-born populations. His statements suggest that citizenship should be earned through merit and dedication, not merely by completing a set of steps.
This philosophy is driving both the proposed citizenship test reforms and the overhaul of the H-1B visa system.
H-1B Visa Program Faces Major Overhaul
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers in highly skilled occupations such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Each year, USCIS accepts 85,000 new petitions through a randomized lottery system.
According to Edlow, the current framework fails to serve the American labor market. He has indicated that new reforms will prioritize U.S. workers while reshaping the H-1B to act as a supplement, not a replacement, to the domestic workforce.
“The way H-1B needs to be used is to supplement, not supplant, U.S. businesses and U.S. workers,” Edlow told The New York Times.
Policy Tensions: Labor Market vs. Global Talent
Supporters of the H-1B program, including major U.S. tech companies, argue that the U.S. lacks sufficient talent in critical areas like software development and cybersecurity.
However, conservative lawmakers have increased pressure on the administration to tighten eligibility rules and stop companies from laying off American workers while hiring foreign replacements.
Vice President JD Vance criticized businesses for outsourcing jobs, adding fuel to public frustration over H-1B misuse.
Edlow’s proposed changes are expected to include:
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Removal of the lottery-based system
Shift toward a wage-based or merit-based ranking that prioritizes higher-paid, more skilled workers. -
Stricter compliance checks
Greater scrutiny of employer-employee relationships and worksite assignments. -
New labor market tests
Employers may need to prove there are no qualified U.S. workers before filing an H-1B petition. -
Increased penalties for fraud
Sanctions and disbarments for companies found to exploit the program.
These measures align with prior Trump-era policies that were either reversed or paused by the Biden administration.
Current H-1B Numbers and Trends
| Fiscal Year | H-1B Petitions Filed | H-1B Visas Issued |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 483,000+ | 85,000 (cap) |
| 2023 | 780,000+ | 85,000 (cap) |
| 2024 | 1.2 million+ | 85,000 (cap) |
The surge in applications has prompted serious discussions about reforming how the program selects and filters candidates.
What Employers and Workers Should Expect
Any structural changes to the H-1B program must go through the rulemaking process as defined under the Administrative Procedure Act. This includes publication in the Federal Register, a public comment phase, and legal review before final rules are adopted.
Employers should prepare by:
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Reviewing internal hiring practices
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Ensuring wage levels meet prevailing standards
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Documenting recruitment efforts
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Seeking legal counsel for multi-year H-1B planning
Foreign professionals on H-1B or awaiting lottery results must stay updated through official USCIS updates and legal advisories.
Why the Immigration System Is Under Review
The dual announcements of H-1B restructuring and citizenship test reforms reflect a broader movement inside USCIS to tighten policies that have remained largely untouched under recent administrations.
Edlow’s approach is not just bureaucratic. It represents a philosophical shift toward restoring what he describes as a “balanced and lawful” immigration framework.
Immigrants seeking naturalization may face higher standards. Employers that rely on global talent may encounter more roadblocks. Legal experts agree that the time to act is now—before these changes become law.
How to Prepare for Citizenship Test Reforms
Lawful permanent residents who meet eligibility criteria for naturalization should file Form N-400 as soon as possible. Delaying could mean facing stricter exam standards under the new test.
Here’s a simple checklist to get started:
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Review Form N-400 requirements
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Study the current civics questions
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Take practice tests available on the USCIS website
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Schedule biometrics and interview appointments promptly
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Seek legal guidance for language, disability, or medical accommodations
Waiting could result in harder tests and longer delays. Early applicants still benefit from the 2008 format.
Why This Matters for U.S. Immigrants
Citizenship is more than a legal status—it defines your place in American society. The new citizenship test reforms may raise the bar, but they also reinforce the importance of civic understanding and commitment.
For immigrants balancing family, jobs, and immigration paperwork, the road to citizenship is already long. Stricter exams add new layers of stress.
However, strong legal representation and early planning can reduce risk and increase your chances of success.
Work with Maple Crest Immigration Before New Rules Apply
Immigration law is changing fast. H-1B employers and green card holders alike face new legal hurdles. Delays, mistakes, or missed updates can result in denials, rejections, or long appeals.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm offers expert legal guidance for naturalization, H-1B sponsorship, and long-term immigration planning. Our licensed attorneys monitor every policy shift and tailor your strategy accordingly.
Schedule a consultation now to avoid the impact of pending citizenship test reforms or H-1B rule changes. Your future in the United States should be guided by professionals who understand the law—and how it’s changing.
