Trump Proposes Stricter Citizenship Test and H‑1B Reform
The Trump administration has announced plans to introduce a more rigorous U.S. citizenship test and implement major changes to the H‑1B visa program. These measures are part of a broader immigration policy push aimed at tightening legal entry and residency requirements in the United States.
Tougher Citizenship Test Coming Soon
U.S. officials plan to revise the current naturalization test to include more detailed questions about civics, history, and government. The new version is expected to require a deeper understanding of American institutions and values, moving away from the relatively simple question format used today. The goal, according to the administration, is to ensure applicants demonstrate a “genuine grasp” of U.S. democratic principles.
H‑1B Visa Selection to Prioritize Wages
In a significant shift, the government also aims to move away from the current lottery system used to allocate H‑1B work visas. Instead, visa selections would prioritize applicants offered higher wages. The new model is expected to favor experienced professionals, particularly in fields like technology and engineering, while making it harder for recent graduates and entry-level workers to secure sponsorship.
The proposed changes are expected to go through a formal rulemaking process and, if approved, could come into effect as early as 2026.
Political Divide Over Reforms
The proposals have sparked internal debate within the Republican Party. While business leaders support the H‑1B program for filling skill gaps, some conservative voices argue for reducing legal immigration overall. Trump’s own position on H‑1B visas has fluctuated—previously critical, but recently more supportive—leaving policy observers uncertain about the final shape of the reforms.
