Becoming a U.S. citizen has always been the dream of millions of immigrants. But in August 2025, three major announcements changed the naturalization process in ways that could make it more challenging:

• The government plans to make the naturalization test harder.
• USCIS introduced a new standard of “good moral character”.
• And officers will now apply stricter scrutiny to negative behaviors and so-called anti-American ideologies.

If you are preparing for naturalization, these changes directly affect you. Let’s break them down clearly.

Naturalization Exam May Become Harder

Currently, applicants take the 2008 version of the test: 100 civics questions, 10 asked during the interview, and you need 6 correct answers to pass. About 90% of applicants succeed on the first try.

But Joseph Edlow, the new USCIS director, says the test is “too easy” and does not reflect the true spirit of the law. His plan is to bring back the 2020 version, which required:

• 128 total questions (instead of 100).
• 12 correct answers out of 20 to pass.

There are also rumors that new questions could focus on the U.S. Constitution, historical context, and even current events.

👉 Takeaway: While the 2008 test is still in use, immigrants should prepare for a longer and tougher civics exam soon.

New “Good Moral Character” Requirement

Effective August 15, 2025, USCIS updated how officers evaluate good moral character (GMC). Before, the focus was mainly on avoiding serious crimes. Now, officers must look at a broader picture of your life.

Positive factors that can help you:

• Active participation in your community or volunteering.
• Caring for family members.
• Stable and lawful employment history.
• Filing and paying taxes on time.
• Educational achievements.

Red flags that may count against you:

• Multiple traffic violations.
• Unresolved tax debts.
• Aggressive or disruptive behavior.

The policy also considers rehabilitation—such as paying back taxes, completing probation, or presenting letters of community support.

👉 Takeaway: You now need to actively demonstrate good character through both clean records and positive contributions to your community.

Stricter Scrutiny on Ideologies and Behavior

On August 19, 2025, USCIS announced that it will review ideologies deemed anti-American or antisemitic when evaluating naturalization cases.

This means:

• Officers may examine your background, community ties, and even social media activity.
• Any perceived support for extremist or anti-American beliefs could be used as a reason to deny benefits.

While USCIS says this is meant to protect the integrity of U.S. citizenship, critics warn the rule could be applied subjectively—even legal conduct might become a risk factor.

👉 Takeaway: The naturalization process is no longer only about meeting legal requirements—it now also includes a social and ideological review.

How to Protect Your Path to Citizenship

The 2025 changes show that the U.S. is moving toward a more demanding naturalization process:

• Expect a more difficult test.
• Prove your good moral character with strong community, family, and tax records.
• Be mindful that your public and online behavior could affect your case.

📌 Practical tips:

• Start studying early for the exam.
• Keep taxes and documents up to date.
• Build a positive record in your community.
• And most importantly: work with an experienced immigration attorney who can prepare you for these new requirements and protect your rights.

📞 Call us today at 202-709-6439 for a FREE evaluation of your case.
🔒 Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized legal advice. Each case is different.