INS PREPARES TO DEVELOP STANDARDIZED NATURALIZATION TEST

The INS has begun the process of creating the first ever standardized naturalization test of civics and English, a process to which many are opposed.  Currently, naturalization examiners are given a list of 100 civics questions to choose from, up to 20 of which can be asked, and the applicant’s English skills are determined through conversation.  However, the examiner can ask other questions, and much of the examination process depends on who the examiner is.

While there is general agreement that a standardized test would probably be better than the current system, there is little agreement about what the content of the test should be.  While everyone agrees knowledge of the US government should be involved, there is no such agreement on issues of social history.  Some argue that the test should reflect traditional American culture, while others argue that it should be geared to reflect a more modern America.

Many argue that with the current high levels of immigration, and an almost as large number of immigrants seeking citizenship, the citizenship test should be used to assist immigrants in assimilating into American culture.  Others, however, are opposed to such a goal.  They see the attempt to Americanize immigrants as a way of forcing them to abandon their own ethnic identities.

The test is being developed in conjunction with professors, immigration lawyers and community representatives.  The development of the test is certain to be contentious.

The INS expects to have a pilot test available in 2003.

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