Q#1: I am Green Card holder and have been for many years. I would like to apply for Citizenship, but I have heard that Trump is making it more difficult. What do I need to know before I apply?
A#1: The current Administration rolling out incremental changes that will result in applicants being required to provide more background information, study more civics and government questions, and provide additional evidence of Good Moral Character if they have been convicted of serious crimes.
Q#2: What are the changes to the Citizenship test and what do I need to study?
A#2: In December of 2020, the prior Trump Administration tried to require a revised test that was used for only 5 months before the Biden Administration reverted back to the current test. Trump has resuscitated this 2020 test which will now be applicable to anyone who files applications on or after October 20th, 2025. The new test will require applicants to study 128 questions instead of 100 questions and a passing grade will now require 12 correct answers out of 20 questions instead of the current 6 correct answers out of 10 questions.
Q#3: I have heard that some applicants can take the US Citizenship test in their own language, is this true?
A#3: Yes. There is still an exception that allows people to take the test in their native language if they are 50 years old and have had their Green Card for 20 years or are 55 years old and have had their Green Card for 15 years. There is also a “shortened test” for applicants who are 65 years old and have had their Green Card for at least 20 years, but there has been no recent guidance on the questions included in the shortened civics test.
Q#4: I have heard that I now need to provide evidence that I am a law-abiding citizen when applying for Citizenship. What needs to be included in my application?
A#4: Most Green Card holders don’t have serious criminal issues and are otherwise law abiding, there is no reason to include additional documents as evidence of good moral character. However, if you do have any criminal issues then additional paperwork should be obtained to demonstrate that those issues have been resolved, you have been rehabilitated, and are a contributing member of your community.
Q#5: How do I demonstrate that I am a person of Good Moral Character and am an upstanding member of my community?
A#5: This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Most Green Card holders will not have to include any additional documentation. However, people that have had contact with the police or have fallen behind on their taxes, or have fallen behind on Child Support, or have other outstanding matters that an immigration officer will question them on should be prepared to provide positive evidence that can overcome these negative factors.
Q#6: What specifically should I provide with my Citizenship application beyond the standard documentation?
A#6: This is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the person’s history and potential issues. You should speak with an immigration attorney to determine what those additional documents might be, especially with the new requirements going into effect for applications filed after October 20th.
Eamonn P.S. Roach is an attorney of the firm Roach & Bishop, LLP in Pasco, Washington, who practices immigration law. This information does not constitute legal advice. It is possible that this information does not apply to you. Each case depends on specific facts. If you have questions regarding the immigration laws that you would like answered in this column, please send them to: Eamonn P.S. Roach, 9221 Sandifur Pkwy, Suite C., Pasco, WA 99301, phone: (509) 547-7587, fax: (509) 547-7745; or email eroach@roachlaw.com.
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