New Natz Test Premieres this Week

We have previously reported on the design of the new naturalization test. The new test will premier this week.  Leslie Fulbright reports in the San Francisco Chronicle:

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Wednesday will begin using the new version of its citizenship exam, which officials say assures immigrants learn about civic values rather than just memorizing answers.

The new test, which has been in the making since 2001, will be phased in over the next six months or so. Anyone who filed for citizenship before Oct. 1 can choose the old or new test, while those applying after that date must take the new exam.

Alfonso Aguilar, chief of citizenship at Citizenship and Immigration Services, has been traveling the country, talking with immigrant communities and ethnic and mainstream media about the new exam. He said ESL teachers and community organizations have been working with future test-takers to train them on the new exam and calm their fears.

“People get anxious when there is change, and initially many were skeptical,” Aguilar said during an interview. “The new test is not harder or easier, it’s better. If you study, you will pass.” Click here for the rest of the story.

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