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Immigration HighLights

Immigration Highlights

Newer Harder Naturalization Test

July 8, 2008

An article in the Omaha World Herald describes the new naturalization test that applicants will have to take to become citizens.

"The new version goes beyond asking for historical facts and demands a deeper understanding of what it means to be an American."

The test has more open ended questions which can be confusing, at least according to Anaji Reynoso, a social worker at the International Center of the Heartland who says, "A lot of people freeze. They’ll be like, ’What are you talking about?’’’

Despite these concerns, pilot testing of the new exam has shown that "more than 90 percent of a pilot group of about 4,000 immigrants passed on the first attempt, higher than the current rate." Alfonso Aguilar, chief of the Office of Citizenship within USCIS argues for the value of the new exam. He says, "It’s more meaningful learning, more analysis of concepts rather than just mere facts."

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