Anyone applying to be a citizen of the United States will be familiar with the citizenship process. However, all students in Texas may soon be required to pass a citizenship test.
Texas may soon require high school students take a version of the test all immigrants looking for U.S. citizenship must pass.
In May, the Texas House tentatively backed a bill that would replace the end of course U.S. history course currently taken in public schools with a version of the civics test that immigrants must take to become U.S. citizens.
Nationally, 15 states have passed similar legislation, stated the Arizona-based Civics Education Initiative.
State Rep. Trent Ashby was one of the authors of House Bill 1776. He said the measure is intended to make sure public school students receive an education on the most important parts of U.S. civics and history. He said:
“Though elements of the current test have importance, this bill acknowledges that there are some things our students absolutely must understand and appreciate before they finish high school.”
Ashby said the knowledge contained in the test is important to becoming an engaged citizen in U.S. society, reported the Texas Tribune.
Supporters of the measure say civics is lacking in the current educational curriculum. The bill did not draw any opponents at a hearing.
If the bill is enacted, students will be able to take the civics exam any time after they enter the school’s ninth grade. It would be an online test in a multiple choice format.
People who take the naturalization test required to obtain citizenship are asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100. At least six questions must be answered correctly order to pass. Under HB 1776, a student would have to score at least 70 percent or better to fulfill the graduation requirement for U.S. history
The Citizenship Test – How Hard is It?
The Citizenship Test requires some studying for most immigrants but pass rates are typically high.
We noted some of the more difficult questions here on our blog. As of May 2016, the pass rate was 91.6 percent.
In excess of five million tests were taken from late 2009 to May 2016.
Usually, the test is given at the same time as the naturalization interview, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says.
Candidates have two opportunities to take the English and civics tests. If you fail a test at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed 60 to 90 days from the date of your first interview.
Our experienced Austin Texas immigration attorneys can provide more information about the citizenship test. Please call us at (512) 399-2311.