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240.403.0913  \nChanges to the Naturalization Process  \nBy, Anne Rowley, Counsel  \nKey takeaways:  \n• In August and September 2025, USCIS issued announcements related to enhancing scrutiny and expanding investigative measures in naturalization cases. These announcements refer to plans including:  \n• Reinstatement of the 2020 Naturalization Civics Test with modifications, creating amore rigorous exam that may include a written essay on topics such as the meaning of citizenship or reflections on historical figures  \n• Reliance on a holistic approach to evaluate whether applicants meet the standard for “good moral character,” considering both positive and negative behavior and not limited to criminal records  \n• Restoration of authority to perform neighborhood checks to ascertain information from applicants’ neighbors, colleagues, and family members  \nProposed Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Process  \nSeptember 17 marks Citizenship and Constitution Day, a time to reflect on the principles that shaped our nation and the role they continue to play in our lives. The Constitution provides the framework of our democracy and secures the rights and responsibilities we share as Americans. For immigrants, the step of becoming a U.S. citizen is not only a legal milestone, but also a meaningful affirmation of belonging and commitment to these shared values. Observing this day reminds us that citizenship is both a privilege and a responsibility that strengthens the fabric of our communities and our democracy.  \nToday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted a Federal Register notice announcing implementation of a new naturalization civics test that may alter the path and accessibility to citizenship. In connection with other recent USCIS announcements, it is reasonable to expect expanded vetting measures in naturalization cases as demonstrated by:  \n• A redesigned, more rigorous civics test;  \n• An expansive approach to evaluating “good moral character;” and,  \n• The possibility of interviewing applicants’ neighbors and coworkers in cases where fraud is suspected.  \nUpdates to the Naturalization Civics Test  \nCurrently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers administer the civics test by selecting ten questions from a list of 100, with applicants required to answer at least six correctly to pass. New USCIS leadership has indicated this structure may not sufficiently demonstrate applicants’ civic understanding. Under the proposed revisions,  \n8737 Colesville Road, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301.917.6900  \n4922 Fairmont Ave., Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 240.403.0913  \nthe test may include higher passing requirements and a written essay component, with potential topics ranging from the meaning of American citizenship to reflections on historical figures. These changes would represent a shift from primarily memorizationbased questions toward an assessment of civic knowledge and personal perspectives.  \nExpanded Investigative Measures  \nUSCIS, long seen as a service-focused agency, has announced plans to expand its enforcement role in administering citizenship. Proposed changes include a broader interpretation of “good moral character,” reinstating neighborhood interviews, and creating a new division of special agents to investigate fraud. Recent guidance directs officers to weigh factors like steady work, community service, tax compliance, and family responsibilities. While the shift highlights civic engagement and personal responsibility, advocates worry the subjective standard could lead to inconsistent results. For applicants, the message is clear: it’s more important than ever to present a full picture that reflects both legal compliance and meaningful community contributions.  \nGood Moral Character Evaluation  \nUSCIS will rely on a holistic approach to evaluate whether applicants meet th","cbCaigJPrhNb4G5F","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaigJPrhNb4G5F","pdf",99972,"English","# Key takeaways\n## Proposed Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Process\n## Updates to the Naturalization Civics Test\n## Expanded Investigative Measures\n## Good Moral Character Evaluation\n### What can affect your Good Moral Character?\n## Possibility of Neighborhood Investigations","[{\"question\":\"What civics test changes are expected under the proposed updates?\",\"answer\":\"The proposed revisions may raise passing requirements and add a written essay component, with topics such as the meaning of American citizenship or reflections on historical figures.\"},{\"question\":\"How will USCIS evaluate “good moral character” going forward?\",\"answer\":\"USCIS will use a holistic approach that weighs both positive and negative factors, including community involvement, family responsibility, education and growth, employment record, financial responsibility, and behavior and conduct.\"},{\"question\":\"What behaviors can negatively affect an applicant’s “good moral character” determination?\",\"answer\":\"The guidance highlights repeated DUIs or drug-related offenses, unpaid child support or overdue taxes, repeated traffic violations, aggressive solicitation practices, and any evidence of dishonesty or fraud.\"}]","Changes to the Naturalization Process | PDF",1789884077]