The Trump Administration Promises the 'Largest Denaturalization Effort Ever'

The Trump administration is exploring potential modifications to the U.S. citizenship test, aiming to introduce new educational benchmarks for individuals applying for naturalization and granting immigration authorities more latitude in administering the examination. This initiative, outlined in a federal regulatory agenda by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), suggests the creation of a structured framework to ensure applicants fulfill citizenship education requirements. The goal, according to the department, is to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is reportedly evaluating the possibility of permitting third-party entities to conduct the naturalization test. This approach, which the agency claims would offer added flexibility in test administration, lacks specific operational details in the current proposal. If enacted, these changes could influence hundreds of thousands of aspiring citizens annually. In fiscal year 2024 alone, USCIS naturalized 818,500 individuals, with nearly 8 million people becoming U.S. citizens over the last ten years. Initial test pass rates stood at 89.7 percent, increasing to 94.4 percent following re-examinations. Under existing law, citizenship candidates must prove proficiency in reading, writing, speaking basic English, and demonstrating knowledge of U.S. history and government. However, current regulations lack explicit guidelines on how applicants should satisfy these educational prerequisites. The proposed adjustments aim to facilitate proper integration of legal immigrants into American society while reinforcing a shared national identity tied to the nation’s constitution, laws, and foundational ideals. Douglas S. Pierce, a former USCIS supervisor who retired in late 2025, noted that the notion of third-party involvement in citizenship testing is not novel. He referenced the Citizenship USA initiative under the Clinton administration as a prior example of similar measures. Despite this historical context, Pierce emphasized that the present proposal from the Trump administration lacks sufficient detail to gauge its potential effects. He stressed that a thorough evaluation of the intended changes and the identities of permissible third-party administrators will require waiting for formal proposals. Gabriella Walsh, an immigration lawyer, expressed concern over the implications of the proposal in a LinkedIn post. She indicated that the plan could substantially alter the naturalization procedure if implemented. Walsh highlighted that immigration policies continue to shift beyond traditional areas such as visas and border security, emphasizing that even well-established procedures like naturalization can undergo regulatory transformation. This proposal aligns with broader initiatives by the Trump administration concerning naturalization. Earlier in 2025, USCIS declared its intention to implement a revised civics examination based on alterations made in 2020, despite the previous iteration being rescinded by the Biden administration. Concurrently, the administration has intensified its focus on denaturalization efforts. Recently, the Justice Department unveiled what it characterized as the most extensive synchronized denaturalization campaign in its history, targeting 25 individuals alleged to have acquired citizenship through fraudulent means, concealment, or other illegal activities. The increase in denaturalization cases has been notable throughout Trump's second term. Data from the Brennan Center for Justice indicates a rise in such instances, reflecting a growing emphasis on verifying the legitimacy of naturalized citizens. These developments underscore the administration's dual strategy of tightening both the acquisition and retention aspects of U.S. citizenship.