The new questions did not cause enthusiasm in immigrant circles, where there is unanimous agreement that the test has become even harder. Conservatives, however, are pleased. The administration of George Bush says that the new test is a necessary measure within the framework of state immigration policy, for which, by the way, only the lazy do not criticize the head of the White House. This test is intended to promote the assimilation of legal immigrants who live by the laws of America. At the same time, the Washington administration leaves more than 12 million illegal immigrants outside the scope.
Some historians have already praised the new questions, which to a greater extent reflect the achievements of American democracy and the interests of many groups in American society, such as Native Americans and African Americans, who have made their historical contribution to the country's development. Now future U.S. citizens are not required to know who said, "Give me liberty or give me death," or who wrote the American national anthem. Instead, they must explain what Susan B. Anthony did and who the Speaker of the House of Representatives is.
One senior official of the Citizenship and Immigration Services and the actual compiler of the new test, Alfonso Aguilar, says that his questions are not intended to stump anyone. "We are not trying to trip anyone up," says Mr. Aguilar.
Officials from the Immigration Service stated that when creating the new test, the focus was primarily on: the U.S. government structure, the history and geography of the country. Unlike the old test, which some immigrants passed without any problems or preparation, the new one will force even educated applicants to refresh their knowledge. "The questions on this test essentially touch on the things that make a person a true American," said Emilio Gonzalez, director of the Citizenship and Immigration Service at a press conference in Washington.
The new version of the citizenship test cost America $6.5 million and six years of discussions, which included historians, representatives of immigrant groups, liberals, and conservatives. The next four months will serve as a kind of probation period for the new test. It is expected that during this time, more than 6,000 immigrants eager for naturalization will take it. The test is scheduled to be used in regular mode starting October 1, 2008.