From civics tests to 'moral character' checks: What Trump’s Green Card process overhaul means for Indians

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The Trump administration is bringing about major changes in the process for Green Card holders, which are to set to come into effect from October 20. The changes -- tightening scrutiny of applicants’ backgrounds, and reviving investigations that have not been widely used since the early 1990s -- are set to make it harder to achieve citizenship.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says the goal is to “restore integrity” to the system, but critics argue the rhetoric around these changes unfairly casts doubt on immigrants’ intentions. The shift could have significant consequences for Indian applicants, who are among the largest immigrant groups in the United States.

A major change is the revamped civics exam. Applicants will now need to answer 12 questions out of a maximum of 20, drawn from a pool of 128 questions. This is a sharp increase from the previous requirement of answering 6 out of 10 questions correctly. Applicants will have two attempts to pass the test, but failure on the second attempt will result in a denial of citizenship, according to Newsweek.

The new rules also expand how USCIS officers assess an applicant’s “good moral character.” This will involve looking not only at criminal records but also at whether the applicant is seen as making positive contributions to society. To make that assessment, officers will have the discretion to order “neighbourhood investigations.” These could include collecting testimonial letters from employers, co-workers or community members and interviewing people who know the applicant. Such investigations have not been used on a large scale since 1991.

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser told Newsweek that these changes are designed to protect the sanctity of citizenship.

“American citizenship is the most sacred citizenship in the world and should only be reserved for aliens who will fully embrace our values and principles as a nation,” he said.

“By ensuring only those aliens who meet all eligibility requirements, including the ability to read, write, and speak English and understand US government and civics, are able to naturalise, the American people can be assured that those joining us as fellow citizens are fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s greatness. These critical changes are the first of many.”

Concerns over the new approach

Not everyone sees this as a positive shift. Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and former director of the US Immigration Service, said the government’s language is worrying.

“The way in which they’re explaining why they’re doing this, really casts doubt on people’s eligibility,” Meissner told Newsweek. “It suggests that people applying for naturalisation are somehow either not eligible or have questionable intent for naturalising or it needs to be clearly established that they will be good Americans.”

Homeland defenders to lead interviews

The White House is also recruiting what it calls “homeland defenders” to conduct interviews for green cards, work visas, and citizenship applications. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller promoted the program on X, writing:

“Calling all patriots. USCIS is now hiring ‘HOMELAND DEFENDERS.’ Your job will be to interview applicants for green cards, work visas and citizenship for approval or denial. Great pay, flexible hours, stay local. Sign up to be a Homeland Defender today.”

Implications for Indian applicants

The changes could have far-reaching effects for Indians in the United States. Indians make up the second-largest immigrant community, with thousands of Green Card holders waiting for naturalisation. USCIS data for 2024 showed that nearly 49,700 Indians were naturalised, accounting for 6.1 percent of all new US citizens, second only to Mexico. With the stricter rules, a process that was once largely about knowledge and conduct may now become a deeper test of loyalty and ideology.