In an effort to assist immigrants aiming to become U.S. citizens, Miami-Dade's school district has commenced its fall term for adult education. This program features English language courses in addition to citizenship test preparation classes. These courses are designed to help students not only improve their English reading and writing skills but also to become acquainted with the vocabulary and responses needed to pass the citizenship interview.
Miguel Veloso, the director of the adult education center at Miami Springs Senior High, emphasized to Telemundo 51 that these programs empower students to feel accomplished and capable of achieving their goals. He mentioned that the reading and writing aspects of the test have remained unchanged. However, experts believe that the interview process might become more stringent due to increased discretion granted to immigration officials.
Offered at a cost of $75, these district school classes are available during evenings and weekends, and there is still room for new students. Beyond academic preparation, the courses also guide applicants through the citizenship application process. This guidance has become particularly important following recent changes to the naturalization process, which have reinstated "neighborhood checks."
Under this policy, immigration officers will assess an applicant's moral character by conducting interviews with neighbors, employers, and close contacts to verify traits such as moral conduct, adherence to the Constitution, and willingness to contribute to the nation's "good order and happiness."
National Context and Evolving Immigration Policies
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced plans to make the citizenship test more challenging as part of the current administration's adjustments to the naturalization process. Joseph Edlow, the agency's director, has stated that the current test is "not very difficult" and that simply memorizing answers does not adequately capture the spirit of the law.
During his presidency, Joe Biden simplified the test by reducing the number of questions and adopting a less demanding format compared to the one introduced by the Trump administration in 2020. However, Edlow now aims to revert to a more rigorous format, similar to the previous one, requiring immigrants to demonstrate a deeper understanding of U.S. history, political structure, and civic values.
These changes are part of a broader restrictive immigration policy, which also includes alterations to the selection of H-1B work visas and the handling of asylum cases. Experts suggest that the combination of local classes and national rule updates underscores the importance of applicants preparing in advance with educational support to meet the new naturalization standards.
Understanding the Changes in U.S. Citizenship Process
What are the new changes in the U.S. citizenship test?
The test is expected to become more challenging, requiring a deeper understanding of U.S. history, political structure, and civic values, moving away from the simpler format introduced under President Biden's administration.
How do neighborhood checks impact the naturalization process?
Neighborhood checks involve immigration officers assessing an applicant's moral character by interviewing neighbors, employers, and close contacts, ensuring compliance with the nation's moral and constitutional values.
Are there still openings for citizenship test preparation classes in Miami-Dade?
Yes, the district offers classes for $75 during evenings and weekends, and new students can still enroll.