Termination of Trial Testing of Redesigned Naturalization Test for Naturalization Applications, 106550-106551 [2024-30213]

Download as PDF 106550 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 249 / Monday, December 30, 2024 / Notices Special Emphasis Panel; Early Phase Clinical Trials of Natural Products (NP). Date: February 21, 2025. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Address: National Center for Complementary and Integrative, Democracy II, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892. Meeting Format: Virtual Meeting. Contact Person: Jessica M. McKlveen, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Scientific Review, Division of Extramural Activities, NCCIH, NIH, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 401, Bethesda, MD 20892— 547, jessica.mcklveen@nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.213, Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: December 20, 2024. David W. Freeman, Supervisory Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2024–31213 Filed 12–27–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2796–25; DHS Docket No. USCIS– 2022–0011] Termination of Trial Testing of Redesigned Naturalization Test for Naturalization Applications U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: On December 15, 2022, DHS published a Federal Register Notice entitled ‘‘Trial Testing of Redesigned Naturalization Test for Naturalization Applications,’’ which announced it intended to conduct a nationwide trial of planned changes to the naturalization test, including a standardized Englishspeaking test, as part of the requirement to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, and a civics test with updated content and format. Most comments received on the proposed trial test, including those from immigrant advocacy organizations and external stakeholders, expressed concerns about the trial test. Therefore, USCIS will no longer pursue the announced trial test. DATES: As of December 30, 2024, USCIS will no longer pursue the trial test as described in 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022). ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:58 Dec 27, 2024 Jkt 265001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Flores, Office of Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone 240–721–3000 or email natzredesign22@uscis.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On December 15, 2022, USCIS issued a notice indicating its plan to conduct a trial of both a standardized Englishspeaking test (use of photographs which the applicant would be asked to describe) as part of the requirement to demonstrate an understanding of the English language and a civics test with updated content and format (multiple choice test).1 The Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans,2 directed DHS to eliminate barriers in and otherwise improve the existing naturalization process including the civics and English language tests. Along with the Executive Order and feedback from stakeholders about the standardization and structure of the naturalization test, USCIS developed the trial test for the naturalization test redesign. USCIS announced conducting the trial as part of its effort to redesign the naturalization test to better ensure that the English-speaking part of the English Language requirements is standardized and sufficiently tests the ability to understand words in ordinary usage in the English language.3 Furthermore, USCIS intended to update the civics test content to reflect current best practices in test design and to redesign the civics test.4 II. Rationale for Termination USCIS hosted virtual public engagements on the naturalization test redesign trial tests on January 12, 2023, March 3, 2023, April 28, 2023, and May 31, 2023.5 Additionally, USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’ Office of the CIS Ombudsman 1 See Trial Testing Redesigned Naturalization Test for Naturalization Applications, 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022). 2 See Executive Order 14012 (February 2, 2021), available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/ FR-2021-02-05/pdf/2021-02563.pdf. 3 See Trial Testing Redesigned Naturalization Test for Naturalization Applications, 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022). 4 Id. 5 See Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022 available at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenshipresource-center/naturalization-test-and-studyresources/naturalization-test-redesigndevelopment-2022 (last visited Nov. 20, 2024). PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 hosted a webinar on July 19, 2023.6 These engagements provided an overview of the proposed changes and next steps, including seeking volunteer community-based organizations (CBOs) that work with immigrant English language learners and lawful permanent residents preparing for naturalization to take the trial test, and utilizing the results of the trial to support changes to the naturalization test. During these engagements, USCIS invited all interested parties to submit written data, views, comments, and arguments on all aspects of the proposed trial testing. At these engagements, some comments USCIS received were in opposition to the trial test. USCIS also received comments through email or submitted letters that opposed the trial test or had positive comments. USCIS received more than 1300 comments from stakeholders from engagements, emails and submitted letters. The majority of comments opposed the trial testing. USCIS received some positive comments about the trial English Test which indicated an appreciation for a revised test, a focus of analysis-driven approach, and attempt to make the test fairer and more efficient, and that the trial test may be easier for lower-level students. Most of the public feedback, however, expressed concerns about the proposed changes to the Englishspeaking naturalization test. These commenters stated the change: • Would create new barriers to naturalization rather than improve the naturalization process in keeping with Executive Order 14012 on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.7 • Would be adding a testing requirement, creating an additional task for the naturalization interview and a new exam for the applicant to prepare for, and would not elicit an applicant’s English proficiency in as relevant or accurate a manner as the current speaking evaluation.8 USCIS received some positive comments on the announcement of the multiple-choice format of the trial test, including that it would level the test 6 See The CIS Ombudsman’s Webinar: Engagement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Naturalization Test Redesign Initiative, available at https:// www.dhs.gov/publication/cis-ombudsmanswebinar-naturalization-test-redesign-initiative (last visited Nov. 20, 2024). 7 See, for example, Bill Bliss, Citizenship Test Revision Will Create New Barrier to Naturalization (Mar. 2, 2023), https://bill-bliss.medium.com/ citizenship-test-revision-will-create-new-barriers-tonaturalization-aab015cbf277 (last visited Nov 20, 2024). 8 Id. E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM 30DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 249 / Monday, December 30, 2024 / Notices better for English as a second language students at all levels. Most feedback, however, opposed changing the civics test to a multiple-choice format. These commenters stated the change: • Would require reading comprehension skills at a significantly higher level of English proficiency and reading vocabulary knowledge than is currently required for naturalization.9 • Would require test-taking skills in multiple choice format that is not currently required of naturalization applicants.10 • Would create new challenges for adult learners because it requires a higher level of reading ability that cannot be met by low-literacy adults who learn orally.11 • Would pose a barrier to those without formal education.12 The objective of the trial was to determine an efficient way to reduce undue barriers 13 to taking the naturalization test and the majority of the feedback received revealed concerns that the trial version of the test may increase burdens on applicants. Therefore, USCIS has decided to terminate the previously proposed trial test altogether. III. Termination Is Immediately Effective The proposed trial test is terminated effective immediately. USCIS continues to use the current 2008 version of the English and civics test.14 Ur M. Jaddou, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2024–30213 Filed 12–27–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–97–P ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 9 Id. 10 See, for example, Immigration Legal Resource Center (IRLC), Naturalization Test Redesign (Sept. 8, 2023), https://www.ilrc.org/resources/ naturalization-test-redesign (last visited Nov 20, 2024). 11 Id. 12 Id. 13 See Executive Order 14012 (February 2, 2021), available at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/ FR-2021-02-05/pdf/2021-02563.pdf. 14 See USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing [12 USCIS–PM E.2], available at https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12part-e-chapter-2 (last visited Nov. 20, 2024). See also Study for the Test, available at https:// www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materialsand-resources/study-for-the-test (last visited Nov. 20, 2024). VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:58 Dec 27, 2024 Jkt 265001 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–6505–N–01] Request for Information Regarding Resilience Measures and Insurance Coverage Office of Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ACTION: Request for information. AGENCY: Homeowners and housing providers have experienced significant increases in property insurance premiums and deductibles in the past several years, along with reductions in insurance coverage, added requirements, and withdrawals of insurance companies from certain markets. In July 2024, HUD convened an insurance summit to address challenges in the property insurance market. The insurance summit highlighted the need to increase property resilience to natural hazards and to clarify the relationship between resilience measures and costs to property owners, including the cost of insurance. Through this Request for Information (RFI), HUD seeks public input regarding how best to assess measures to increase the resilience of residential properties to natural hazards and extreme weather. This information will allow HUD to develop policies that better support HUD’s program participants in increasing resilience to natural hazards, including extreme weather, and accessing affordable insurance for their properties. DATES: Comment Due Date: February 28, 2025. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments responsive to this RFI. All submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the RFI. Commenters are encouraged to identify the number of the specific question or questions to which they are responding. Responses should include the name(s) of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment; however, because any responses received by HUD will be publicly available, responses should not include any personally identifiable information or confidential commercial information. There are two methods for submitting public comments. 1. Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. 2. Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by mail to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00146 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 106551 the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410–0500. HUD strongly encourages commenters to submit their feedback and recommendations electronically. Electronic submission of comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a response, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make comments immediately available to the public. Comments submitted electronically through the https://www.regulations.gov website can be viewed by other commenters and interested members of the public. Commenters should follow the instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically. Note: To receive consideration as public comments, comments must be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. Again, all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the notice. No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable. Public Inspection of Public Comments. All comments and communications properly submitted to HUD will be available for public inspection and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the above address. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, an advance appointment to review the public comments must be scheduled by calling the Regulations Division at (202) 708– 3055 (this is not a toll-free number). HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as from individuals with speech or communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, please visit https:// www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ telecommunications-relay-service-trs. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Richardson, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 8100, Washington, DC 20410–0500; telephone number 202–402–5706 (this is not a tollfree number). HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ telecommunications-relay-service-trs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM 30DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 249 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 106550-106551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30213]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[CIS No. 2796-25; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2022-0011]


Termination of Trial Testing of Redesigned Naturalization Test 
for Naturalization Applications

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department 
of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On December 15, 2022, DHS published a Federal Register Notice 
entitled ``Trial Testing of Redesigned Naturalization Test for 
Naturalization Applications,'' which announced it intended to conduct a 
nationwide trial of planned changes to the naturalization test, 
including a standardized English-speaking test, as part of the 
requirement to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, 
and a civics test with updated content and format. Most comments 
received on the proposed trial test, including those from immigrant 
advocacy organizations and external stakeholders, expressed concerns 
about the trial test. Therefore, USCIS will no longer pursue the 
announced trial test.

DATES: As of December 30, 2024, USCIS will no longer pursue the trial 
test as described in 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Flores, Office of Citizenship, 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS), 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 
20746; telephone 240-721-3000 or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On December 15, 2022, USCIS issued a notice indicating its plan to 
conduct a trial of both a standardized English-speaking test (use of 
photographs which the applicant would be asked to describe) as part of 
the requirement to demonstrate an understanding of the English language 
and a civics test with updated content and format (multiple choice 
test).\1\ The Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal 
Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts 
for New Americans,\2\ directed DHS to eliminate barriers in and 
otherwise improve the existing naturalization process including the 
civics and English language tests. Along with the Executive Order and 
feedback from stakeholders about the standardization and structure of 
the naturalization test, USCIS developed the trial test for the 
naturalization test redesign. USCIS announced conducting the trial as 
part of its effort to redesign the naturalization test to better ensure 
that the English-speaking part of the English Language requirements is 
standardized and sufficiently tests the ability to understand words in 
ordinary usage in the English language.\3\ Furthermore, USCIS intended 
to update the civics test content to reflect current best practices in 
test design and to redesign the civics test.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Trial Testing Redesigned Naturalization Test for 
Naturalization Applications, 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022).
    \2\ See Executive Order 14012 (February 2, 2021), available at 
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-02-05/pdf/2021-02563.pdf.
    \3\ See Trial Testing Redesigned Naturalization Test for 
Naturalization Applications, 87 FR 76634 (Dec. 15, 2022).
    \4\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Rationale for Termination

    USCIS hosted virtual public engagements on the naturalization test 
redesign trial tests on January 12, 2023, March 3, 2023, April 28, 
2023, and May 31, 2023.\5\ Additionally, USCIS and the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS)' Office of the CIS Ombudsman hosted a webinar 
on July 19, 2023.\6\ These engagements provided an overview of the 
proposed changes and next steps, including seeking volunteer community-
based organizations (CBOs) that work with immigrant English language 
learners and lawful permanent residents preparing for naturalization to 
take the trial test, and utilizing the results of the trial to support 
changes to the naturalization test. During these engagements, USCIS 
invited all interested parties to submit written data, views, comments, 
and arguments on all aspects of the proposed trial testing. At these 
engagements, some comments USCIS received were in opposition to the 
trial test. USCIS also received comments through email or submitted 
letters that opposed the trial test or had positive comments. USCIS 
received more than 1300 comments from stakeholders from engagements, 
emails and submitted letters. The majority of comments opposed the 
trial testing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022 available 
at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-test-and-study-resources/naturalization-test-redesign-development-2022 (last visited Nov. 20, 2024).
    \6\ See The CIS Ombudsman's Webinar: Engagement with U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Naturalization 
Test Redesign Initiative, available at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/cis-ombudsmans-webinar-naturalization-test-redesign-initiative (last visited Nov. 20, 2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    USCIS received some positive comments about the trial English Test 
which indicated an appreciation for a revised test, a focus of 
analysis-driven approach, and attempt to make the test fairer and more 
efficient, and that the trial test may be easier for lower-level 
students. Most of the public feedback, however, expressed concerns 
about the proposed changes to the English-speaking naturalization test. 
These commenters stated the change:
     Would create new barriers to naturalization rather than 
improve the naturalization process in keeping with Executive Order 
14012 on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and 
Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See, for example, Bill Bliss, Citizenship Test Revision Will 
Create New Barrier to Naturalization (Mar. 2, 2023), https://bill-bliss.medium.com/citizenship-test-revision-will-create-new-barriers-to-naturalization-aab015cbf277 (last visited Nov 20, 2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Would be adding a testing requirement, creating an 
additional task for the naturalization interview and a new exam for the 
applicant to prepare for, and would not elicit an applicant's English 
proficiency in as relevant or accurate a manner as the current speaking 
evaluation.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    USCIS received some positive comments on the announcement of the 
multiple-choice format of the trial test, including that it would level 
the test

[[Page 106551]]

better for English as a second language students at all levels. Most 
feedback, however, opposed changing the civics test to a multiple-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
choice format. These commenters stated the change:

     Would require reading comprehension skills at a 
significantly higher level of English proficiency and reading 
vocabulary knowledge than is currently required for naturalization.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Would require test-taking skills in multiple choice format 
that is not currently required of naturalization applicants.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See, for example, Immigration Legal Resource Center (IRLC), 
Naturalization Test Redesign (Sept. 8, 2023), https://www.ilrc.org/resources/naturalization-test-redesign (last visited Nov 20, 2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Would create new challenges for adult learners because it 
requires a higher level of reading ability that cannot be met by low-
literacy adults who learn orally.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Would pose a barrier to those without formal 
education.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The objective of the trial was to determine an efficient way to 
reduce undue barriers \13\ to taking the naturalization test and the 
majority of the feedback received revealed concerns that the trial 
version of the test may increase burdens on applicants. Therefore, 
USCIS has decided to terminate the previously proposed trial test 
altogether.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See Executive Order 14012 (February 2, 2021), available at 
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-02-05/pdf/2021-02563.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Termination Is Immediately Effective

    The proposed trial test is terminated effective immediately. USCIS 
continues to use the current 2008 version of the English and civics 
test.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Citizenship and 
Naturalization, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, 
Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing [12 USCIS-PM E.2], available 
at https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-e-chapter-2 
(last visited Nov. 20, 2024). See also Study for the Test, available 
at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test (last visited Nov. 20, 2024).

Ur M. Jaddou,
Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of 
Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2024-30213 Filed 12-27-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P

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