Top DHS Official Calls Citizenship Test 'Too Soft' Amid Terror Attack Scrutiny

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow seeks major overhaul of naturalization process in wake of recent attacks

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:36am

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Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow has called for a major overhaul of the U.S. naturalization test, blasting the current version as too soft and out of step with what Congress envisioned. Edlow's comments come as two recent terror attacks in the U.S. have renewed scrutiny of immigration vetting and national security safeguards.

Why it matters

The push to tighten the citizenship test reflects growing concerns about national security and the assimilation of new immigrants, especially in the wake of recent terror attacks that have raised questions about the adequacy of the vetting process. Edlow's proposed changes could have significant implications for the path to U.S. citizenship.

The details

Edlow wants the citizenship test to probe deeper, presenting a broader cross-section of U.S. principles, and for English skills to be evaluated throughout the entire naturalization interview, not just in isolated reading and writing exercises. He also took aim at flaws in the H-1B visa system, citing cases of American workers being laid off and replaced by lower-paid foreign workers. Additionally, Edlow said USCIS is preparing to revisit the public charge rule, a legal standard that bars green cards for applicants likely to become reliant on public assistance.

  • In August 2025, Edlow was appointed as the new USCIS Director.
  • Two terror attacks occurred in the U.S. on Thursday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Joseph Edlow

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), appointed in August 2025, who is calling for a major overhaul of the U.S. naturalization test.

JD Vance

The Vice President, who has echoed similar sentiments about the H-1B visa program being used to suppress wages and replace American workers.

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla, who has said he'd 'go to war' in support of the H-1B visa program and branded its Republican opponents 'hateful, unrepentant racists.'

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What they’re saying

“The test needs to reflect the letter and the spirit of what Congress intended. It's important for people to understand English, our history, our government … and the way the test is written and executed right now doesn't meet that bar.”

— Joseph Edlow, USCIS Director

“I don't want companies to fire 9,000 American workers and then to go and say, 'We can't find workers here in America.' That's a bulls— story.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“I'd 'go to war' in support of the H1-B visa program and branded its Republican opponents 'hateful, unrepentant racists'.”

— Elon Musk

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.