What's up with the Proposed USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign?

In late September, DHS and USCIS released new resources about the Naturalization Test Redesign.  This prompted updated commentary from VOA News, ILRC, Bill Bliss, and other stakeholders.  In order to address and clarify to redesign process, USCIS will be hosting NIICE: National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference, October 18-19, in Washington D.C. Plus resources to contact CONGRESS about the potential Government shutdown.  And a QUICK CITIZENSHIP QUIZ that connects the Constitution, the Fed Code, and Adult Education.

7/19/2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Resources (DHS, USCIS) 

• DHS Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman webpage
• July 19, 2023 Engagement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Naturalization Test Redesign Initiative
• July 19, 2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Updates Power Point Presentation PDF648.78 KB0
• July 19, 2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Initiative Readout PDF230.72 KB07/19/2023
• July, 19, 2023 USCIS and Office of CIS Ombudsman's Webinar Series: Naturalization Test Redesign Updates VIDEO! 
• USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022 webpage
• See also LINCS and Lynne Weintraub’s Citizenship News posts for further comments.

9/19/2023: Citizenship Test Changes Might Require Better English Skills, VOA

“Possible changes to the naturalization interview would make civics questions multiple choice to “reflect current best practices in test design,” USCIS said in a document explaining the update to the test. Schmelzer said that would make the test harder for immigrants who may not have a great understanding of American history or English.” Article includes audio and quiz.  You can watch a sub-titled video of VOA Learning English Podcast for Wednesday September 20, 2023. The Citizenship story starts at 11:08.  Appropriate for intermediate ESL adult learners. 

09/20/2023 USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign – Flaws in Design and Transparency, ILRC

• ILRC attorneys and guest speaker Bill Bliss gave an overview of the USCIS naturalization test redesig