WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden Administration is updating the test immigrants must pass in order to become American citizens.
The new version is expected to be introduced by the end of this year, AP reported on Wednesday.
“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services proposes the new test adds a speaking section to assess English skills,” the article noted. “An officer would show photos of ordinary scenarios – like daily activities, weather or food – and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos.”
The current version of the test was rolled out in 2008 under the Obama Administration. The verbal test requires hopeful U.S. citizens answer 10 questions and provide correct answers for at least six of them.
In 2020, President Donald Trump raised the bar by increasing the test to 20 questions, at least 12 of which must be answered correctly to earn a passing grade.
During his first 100 days in office, Biden ordered a return to the easier 2008 version of the test.
The USCIS website lists 100 questions that test-takers may be asked to answer, along with acceptable responses.
Below are ten questions The Florida Standard selected from the list.
1. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
ANSWER:
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Federalist Papers
• Anti-Federalist Papers
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Mayflower Compact
• Iroquois Great Law of Peace
2. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
ANSWER:
- Four hundred thirty-five (435)
3. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
ANSWER:
- Attorney General
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Defense
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Secretary of Homeland Security
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Vice President (of the United States)
4. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
ANSWER:
- Nine (9) – Interestingly: the 2008 version of the test does not list the number. Instead, it directs site visitors to the test update page, implying that the number is subject to change in the near future. The 2020 version, however, simply states: “Nine (9)”
5. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
ANSWER:
- Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
- You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
- Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
- A male citizen of any race (can vote).
6. Name one power that is only for the states.
ANSWER:
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver’s license
- Approve zoning and land use
7. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
ANSWER:
- (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
8. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
ANSWER:
- April 15
9. When was the Constitution written?
ANSWER:
- 1787
10. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
ANSWER:
- freedom of expression
- freedom of speech
- freedom of assembly
- freedom to petition the government
- freedom of religion
- the right to bear arms
