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U.S. citizenship candidates face new test

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PHOENIX — Rather than having to know who the first president was, future U.S. citizens will be asked other questions on citizenship exams, such as the Constitution's role and the number of government branches.

The questions are part of the changes — tested in Tucson and nine other cities — the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has developed for its new citizenship exam.

The federal government thinks the new test will better gauge how well immigrants understand what it means to be an American while testing their knowledge of democracy and how the U.S. government works.

"The point (now) is to know the concept so the exact answer is less important so that when they study they will understand the concepts better, which we think will help them integrate into society," said Marie Sebrechts, a spokeswoman for Citizen and Immigration Services.

Critics fear the new test will make it more difficult for immigrants to become citizens. "Most people who are applying for naturalization have been here a long time. Why are we putting up roadblocks?" said Luis Ibarra, chief executive officer of Friendly House, a non-profit that helps immigrants prepare for the naturalization test.

In February, the new exam was given to volunteers in 10 cities. From May to July, it was tested in another 64 cities.

The new version ended up with a passing rate of 92 percent. The old test had an 88 percent passing rate for first-time applicants.