In the spring of 2008, all applicants for U.S. naturalization will have to answer a new set of questions to pass the test on American history, civics and government.
The USCIS has formulated 144 new questions to be given to 5,000 volunteer citizenship applicants in 10 pilot cities in early 2007. The Service will study the responses in the pilot program and narrow down the final set of questions to 100. To pass, the applicant must be able to answer six out of the selected ten questions.
According to USCIS Director, Emilio
Gonzales, “the current naturalization exam process lacks standardization and
encourages applicants to memorize facts just to pass a test....Our goal is to
inspire immigrants to learn about the civic values of this nation so that after
they take the oath of citizenship they will participate fully in our great
democracy.”
The English reading and writing test will
be similar to the current exam, except that the USCIS will provide applicants
with study materials that will include a civics-based vocabulary list and the
list of sentences will focus on civics and history topics.
During the trial period, volunteer
applicants who fail to pass the pilot test has the option to take the current
exam immediately.
The ten cites selected as pilot test
sites are: Albany, NY;
Boston, MA; Charleston, SC; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; Kansas City, MO; Miami, FL; San antonio, TX; Tucson, AZ and Yakima, WA.
Here are a few of the new questions and
suggested answers:
Q - Name one important idea found in the
declaration of independence.
A - People are born with natural rights
A - The power of government comes from
the people
A - The people can change their
government if it hurts their natural rights.
A - All people are created equal
Q - What does “We the People” mean in the
Constitution?
A - The power of government comes from
the people.
Q - Name one problem that led to the
Civil war.
A - Slavery
A - Economic reasons
A - States’ rights
Q - What was the main concern of the United States
during the Cold War?
A - The spread of communism
A - The Soviet Union (USSR and Russia are also acceptable)
Q - What major event happened on
September 11, 2001, in the United
States?
A
- Terrorists attacked the United
States.
Q - Name one state that borders on Mexico.
A - Arizona,
California, New Mexico,
or Texas.
Q - On the fourth of July we celebrate
independence from what country?
A - Great Britain
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