The Trump administration is preparing a new wave of immigration reforms targeting both legal immigration pathways and the U.S. naturalization process. At the forefront of these changes is a revamp of the U.S. citizenship test and the H-1B visa program, according to Joseph Edlow, the newly appointed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Edlow criticized the current citizenship test, calling it too easy and insufficient to reflect the spirit of American civic understanding. “The test as it’s laid out right now, it’s not very difficult. It’s very easy to kind of memorise the answers,” Edlow said. He confirmed that the administration is working to reinstate a more rigorous version of the civics exam, requiring applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, compared to the existing requirement of 6 out of 10.
These changes are part of a broader crackdown on immigration in President Trump’s second term, which has already seen tighter visa controls and deep cuts to refugee admissions. The administration continues to push for stricter border enforcement, expanded deportation efforts, and a shift in the legal immigration framework to favor merit over family ties.
One of the most notable proposals includes a major overhaul of the H-1B visa program—a visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign skilled workers, particularly in tech and engineering sectors. The current system distributes 85,000 visas annually through a lottery. Under the new plan, USCIS would prioritize employers who offer higher wages, essentially rewarding companies that pay above market rates. This move, Edlow argued, would better align with the program’s intended purpose and reduce abuse.
Critics argue the reforms risk harming industries that rely on global talent and disproportionately affect immigrants from developing countries. Immigration advocates also warn that tougher citizenship tests and wage-based visa preferences may create barriers to integration and economic mobility for immigrant communities.
Still, the Trump administration appears firm in its resolve. Edlow emphasized that these efforts are aimed at “protecting the integrity of the system” and ensuring that immigration aligns with national interest. As the administration pushes forward, significant legal and political battles are expected, with both supporters and opponents gearing up for the next phase of America’s immigration debate.
