U.S. Citizenship Test Updates and Immigration News — October 2025
Starting October 20, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new version of the naturalization test. The updated civics section will feature 20 questions instead of 10, and applicants must answer at least 12 correctly to pass—double the previous requirement of six.
Officers will conclude the test once the applicant either reaches 12 correct answers or 9 errors.
Additionally, the English proficiency standard has been tightened, and applicants may face residence-based interviews or additional checks.
These changes were introduced under President Trump’s executive order focused on strengthening national security.
Reports indicate that new ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) recruits began training without completing the full background-vetting process, raising concerns within the agency.
Some trainees allegedly had criminal histories, failed drug tests, or didn’t meet physical and academic standards.
More than 200 recruits have already been dismissed during a six-week program. The primary reason: incomplete fingerprinting and delayed pre-screening.
With the agency processing over 150,000 applications and operating under a shortened training cycle, HR officials warn that important red flags could be missed.
Senator Tammy Duckworth and several Democratic lawmakers urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon to ask DHS to ban immigration enforcement operations within 1,000 feet of schools.
The proposal follows recent incidents in Chicago, where ICE actions and the use of tear gas endangered students and teachers.
Supporters, including the Teachers Union, stress that schools must remain “ICE-free zones.” Lawmakers described the initiative as a matter of “common sense enforcement” to protect children’s safety.
Amazon has confirmed the elimination of 14,000 corporate positions as part of a cost-cutting effort. Employees will receive 90 days of paid leave with full benefits and severance packages, as well as career counseling and access to retraining programs.
Foreign workers on employment visas are advised to review their legal status promptly and consult immigration attorneys, since layoffs may affect visa eligibility.
The 90-day period provides time to seek new sponsorship or alternative visa arrangements.
Since Ukraine relaxed travel restrictions for men aged 18–22, nearly 100,000 young men have departed the country—mostly to Poland and Germany.
The temporary travel permit until age 23 triggered a sharp rise in migration, prompting neighboring governments to reassess refugee support policies.
Despite this measure, the exit ban for men 18–60 remains in place, and violations carry legal penalties. Those leaving must obtain proper documentation such as visas, temporary protection status, or student residence permits.
📅 Published: October 2025
📍 Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, ICE internal reports, Senate briefings, Amazon HR announcement, European migration data.
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