Immigrants face revamped test

The new citizenship test is being used now. New immigrants will probably know more about the country than many native born people do. We all should see if we could pass the test. DP

New citizenship exam includes more history, civics questions.

By Vanessa Colón / The Fresno Bee

fresnobee.com: Immigrants who have applied to become citizens will face a new question today: Which citizenship test do I take?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is rolling out a new exam today that focuses on American history and basic concepts, such as who makes federal laws. The old test, which asked such things as how many stars the American flag has, is being phased out.

Immigrants who applied for citizenship before Oct. 1 can take either test. Those who apply beginning today must take the new test.

Gurinder Kaur, 22, of Fresno is among those who have a choice. Kaur, a civics student at Fresno's Cesar E. Chavez Adult Education Center, said the new test has too many answers to remember. She is planning to take the old test Oct. 30.

"Some people like the new test," said Kaur, who is from India. "But people who don't speak very good English might have to take it again."

For civics teachers, the new test presents challenges. Several Valley teachers said they find themselves lecturing to an old test while exposing students to a new test that requires more preparation.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.