2020 Citizenship Test

Student Civic Challenge

Civic Issue: In the fall of 2020, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services updated the citizenship test that people wishing to become citizens must pass.

Connection to the Re-Imagining Migration Learning Arc:

• Adjustment: How do newcomers come to understand the new land and their place in it over time?
• Turning to Action: How might we use our voice and spheres of influence to create welcoming and inclusive communities?

Suggested Discussion/Activities

• What are the characteristics of a citizen that you seek to measure?
• Are there ideas that all citizens need to know, understand, and be ready to act upon?
• Read about the new test. What do you consider the purpose is a citizenship test? 
• Take a sample citizenship test and create your own.
• Is a test the best way to become a citizen? Can you think of other ways people should be able to qualify for citizenship?

Resource links:

• UCIS 2020 Citizenship Test
• Trump officials unveil new U.S. citizenship test, as advocates worry it is too long, difficult and politicized, Washington Post, November 13, 2020
• U.S. citizenship test will be harder. Here’s where to find the new questions and answers, Miami Herald, November 21, 2020. Use the link for an audio version of this story.