Activists rap new test for citizens

The federal government intends to replace the current test for U.S. citizenship with one that relies less on knowledge of specific facts and more on an applicant's grasp of democratic principles, but many immigrant-advocacy groups are up in arms about the change, which they worry may discriminate against those who don't speak English and with less education.

"We want to focus more on the building blocks of democracy, rather than the colors of the flag" or questions about the name of the form used to apply for naturalized citizenship, which are on the current test for citizenship, said Chris Bentley, a spokesman for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is making the change. USCIS is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Bentley said USCIS officials want a new test that can ensure that those seeking to become American citizens know about "freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion."

"Our goal is not to make this test harder or easier for anyone, but to make it much more meaningful," he said.