Navigating Important 2025 Immigration Changes: What you need to know
Recent policy shifts are changing the landscape of U.S. immigration, creating new challenges for those on the path to citizenship, seeking asylum, or interacting with immigration agencies.
We are here to help you understand these changes and access the support you need.
One of the most significant updates is the increased difficulty of the U.S. citizenship test for all applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. Applicants will now be required to correctly answer 12 out of 20 civics questions, a substantial increase from the previous standard of 6 out of 10. The pool of study questions has also expanded from 100 to 128. Alongside the harder test, USCIS is encouraging its officers to search more thoroughly for grounds to deny applications based on "good moral character". To help you prepare, we offer FREE 10-week citizenship classes in partnership with El Centro de las Américas and the Asian Community & Cultural Center. These courses are available both online via Zoom and in-person at locations in Lincoln. Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate for FREE legal assistance with your N-400 citizenship application from partners like CLIA or Lutheran Family Services. The next session runs from October to December 2025, but with new classes starting quarterly, registration is always open.
In another major shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will gain new enforcement authority beginning October 6, 2025, allowing its officers to arrest, detain, and enforce immigration laws. This change means that appointments at USCIS field offices could become higher-risk environments, making it more important than ever to consult with a trusted legal expert before any immigration appointment. The process for those seeking safety is also facing new hurdles, as "Safe Third Country" agreements with nations like Guatemala and Honduras could result in asylum seekers being sent to wait in those countries without having their cases heard in the U.S.. Furthermore, routine ICE check-ins are now considered high-risk for enforcement, especially for individuals who entered without inspection.
CLIA is uniquely positioned as the only nonprofit in Lincoln offering a comprehensive range of direct legal immigration services to help our community navigate these complex situations. Founded in 2001, our dedicated team of experienced attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives provides a wide variety of pro bono and low-cost services, from citizenship and family-based petitions to humanitarian relief like U-Visas, VAWA, and asylum. We were the first office in Nebraska to file an approved U-Visa and continue to be a leader in assisting immigrant victims of crime. In addition to legal services, we offer mental health support for survivors of violence and educational workshops for the community. As we face these challenges together, your support through donations or by sharing information helps provide critical services and hope to our immigrant neighbors. If you have questions about these changes or need legal assistance, please contact us to learn how to become a client.
