U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced new policy guidance on June 13 to reduce fraud in the naturalization process. The update targets abuse of Form N-648, which allows applicants to skip English and civics tests due to disabilities.
New Policy Targets Fraud and Strengthens Oversight
The policy places greater focus on verifying medical certifications submitted with Form N-648. It directs officers to look closely at whether a disability actually prevents the applicant from completing English or civics tests.
USCIS officials say some medical professionals have submitted false certifications in the past. These false claims led to unqualified individuals receiving U.S. citizenship. The agency aims to stop this by raising the bar for evidence and verification.
Key Requirements for Medical Professionals
Under the new guidance, doctors completing Form N-648 must explain how the applicant’s condition directly affects their ability to meet naturalization testing requirements. A disability diagnosis alone does not qualify an applicant for the exemption.
The policy also warns that submitting multiple N-648 forms at the same time may trigger further review. USCIS will treat that as a potential red flag.
Policy Applies Immediately
The new guidance appears in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual. It applies to all naturalization applications and N-648 forms filed on or after June 13, 2025.
The changes support two executive orders:
- Executive Order 14148, which rolled back harmful immigration policies
- Executive Order 14159, which focuses on protecting U.S. national interests
By increasing oversight, USCIS aims to restore trust in the naturalization process and ensure that only eligible applicants receive exemptions.
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