Changes to the Naturalization Process under Trump

The naturalization landscape in 2025 saw one of the most rapid, multi-front overhauls in recent memory. The Trump administration has rolled out a mix of regulatory changes, policy memoranda, and procedural guidance that together affect how candidates are screened, tested, and welcomed at ceremonies. Below is a summary of these recent changes to the naturalization process. 

The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test 

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a revised civics test for naturalization applicants filing on or after October 20, 2025. This “2025 test” is a modified version of the 2020 civics test, now featuring a larger pool of 128 questions. During the interview, officers will ask 20 questions, and applicants must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. Notably, officers will stop asking questions once the applicant has either passed (12 correct) or failed (9 incorrect), streamlining the process compared to the 2020 version where all 20 questions were asked regardless of performance. The 2020 naturalization test was used for applicants who filed their Form N-400 on or after December 1, 2020 and before March 1, 2021.   

For applicants aged 65 and older who have been Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) for over 20 years, a special test remains: 10 questions from a bank of 20, with 6 correct answers required to pass. The version of the test, 2008 or 2025, depends on when the application is filed. Those who file before October 20, 2025, will take the older test, while those filing on or after that date must prepare for the new, expanded question set and slightly higher passing threshold. 

“Neighborhood Checks” & Good Moral Character 

On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum instructing officers to apply a more “holistic” standard when assessing whether applicants have the required “good moral character.” The memorandum encourages adjudicators to review an applicant’s full life history and consider both negative conduct and positive rehabilitative factors (community involvement, repayment of debts/taxes, mentoring/reformation, etc.).  

Cases previously seen as straightforward may now receive more detailed scrutiny and require additional documentary evidence and mitigating statements.  USCIS officers now have clearer policy basis to request more evidence or to interview applicants about historical conduct outside the typical five-year statutory window. 

Additionally, USCIS has brought back neighborhood and workplace investigations for naturalization applicants, a practice largely abandoned since the 1990s. Officers may now conduct in person inquiries to confirm eligibility, focusing especially on the “good moral character” requirement. 

Screening for “Anti Americanism” 

A new policy introduced on August 19, 2025 directs USCIS to consider “anti Americanism” as part of moral character evaluations. While vaguely defined, this screening is expected to focus on attitudes, affiliations, or behaviors viewed as hostile to U.S. values.  According to USCIS it will focus on “the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as the use of discretion in adjudication of certain benefit requests where evidence of antisemitic activity is present.”   

For immigrants pursuing naturalization, the landscape in 2025 is more demanding than in recent years. Preparing for the new civics test, ensuring a clean record, and filing before critical deadlines can make a significant difference.  If you are thinking of filing for naturalization and would like to speak to an attorney, please contact our experienced attorneys at Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan at 312-427-6163 to help you in your process.