US overhauls Green Card interview process with stricter scrutiny from Oct 20, hires ‘homeland defenders’

The Trump administration is implementing major changes to the Green Card interview process, effective October 20. The overhaul includes expanded interviews, a tougher civics test, and stricter evaluations of applicants’ “good moral character”. 

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the reforms are intended to ensure that only individuals who fully embrace American values are granted citizenship. Additionally, the government is recruiting ‘homeland defenders’ to carry out immigration interviews.

Recently, Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor took to his X, “Calling all patriots. USCIS is now hiring “HOMELAND DEFENDERS.” Your job will be to interview applicants for green cards, work visas and citizenship for approval or denial. Great pay, flexible hours, stay local. Sign up to be a Homeland Defender today!”

One of the most significant changes is the expanded civics test, which assesses applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government. Under the new rules, applicants must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, chosen from a pool of 128 — a steep increase from the earlier standard of six correct answers out of 10, according to Newsweek.

Alongside the more rigorous test, USCIS officers will also give greater weight to assessing applicants’ “good moral character".