The US citizenship test is being updated, and both immigrants and activists fear the changes will hurt those who are not fluent in English.
The naturalization test is one of the final steps toward citizenship, a months-long process that requires lawful permanent residence for years before applying.
“If you don’t know English at a level probably more than 50% and you have someone who speaks to you very quickly, well, you won’t be able to answer the questions. Many people go and try to memorize the answers. The problem is that if you They ask them just as you memorized them, yes it will work. But if you don’t understand, it’s something that won’t work,” warns Jaime Diez, an immigration lawyer.
In December US authorities said the test should be updated after 15 years. Citizenship and immigration services propose that the new test add an oral section to assess English skills.
An officer would show photos of common settings, such as daily activities, weather, or food, and ask the applicant to verbally describe the photos.
However, immigration experts recommend that people do not be afraid of this announcement and that they continue to apply, since it is their right as a resident.
“That they are not afraid. That they apply, but they do go advised by someone,” adds Diez. “Let someone who knows the rules accompany you. Do not leave it for another day. It is a right that you have earned for the time you have been in this country,” she points out.
