WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. government is overhauling its immigration process and calling on Americans to join a new “homeland defender” program as stricter citizenship rules take effect. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller urged Americans on social media to help protect the nation’s immigration system. “Calling all patriots. USCIS is now hiring HOMELAND DEFENDERS,” Miller wrote on X. “Your job will be to interview applicants for green cards, work visas, and citizenship for approval or denial. Great pay, flexible hours, and stay local. Sign up to be a Homeland Defender today!”

Miller shared a Department of Homeland Security post quoting President Calvin Coolidge: “Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.” The post framed the role as a call to “protect your homeland and defend your culture.”

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, is introducing major changes for green card holders seeking naturalization. The new rules, set to start October 20, will expand the civics test, increase background checks, and place a stronger focus on evaluating an applicant’s “good moral character.”

Applicants will now face a civics test requiring 12 correct answers out of up to 20 questions, drawn from a pool of 128. Previously, applicants had to answer six questions correctly out of 10. Officials say the changes ensure that new citizens understand U.S. history and government.

USCIS will also assess whether applicants make positive contributions to American society, not just avoid criminal activity. In some cases, the agency may conduct “neighborhood investigations” to check community ties. These investigations may include interviews with employers, coworkers, or neighbors. Officials say this practice will be applied selectively.

Applicants get two chances to pass the civics test. Failing the second attempt will result in a denial of citizenship.

The stricter rules could affect many immigrants, including Indians, who make up the second-largest immigrant community in the U.S. In 2024, 49,700 Indians became naturalized citizens, representing 6.1% of all new U.S. citizens. Only Mexico recorded more naturalizations, at 13.1%.

USCIS emphasizes that American citizenship is “the most sacred” and should be reserved for those who fully embrace U.S. values. Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesperson, told Newsweek that these changes will ensure that new citizens are fully assimilated and prepared to contribute to the country.

Some experts worry that the new policies could unfairly cast doubt on immigrants’ intentions. Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and former director of the U.S. Immigration Service, told Newsweek that the administration’s language suggests some applicants may be inherently less eligible.

“The way in which they’re explaining why they’re doing this really casts doubt on people’s eligibility,” Meissner said. “It suggests that people applying for naturalization are somehow not eligible or have questionable intent for naturalizing.”

Despite criticism, the administration continues to promote the “homeland defender” recruitment program. Applicants will help conduct interviews for green cards, work visas, and citizenship applications, ensuring compliance with the new standards.

The government frames these changes as a mission to protect American values. Miller and DHS officials emphasize that only those who fully embrace the U.S. system should become citizens. The campaign also highlights flexible work opportunities and local employment for those joining the program.

The rollout of these stricter immigration rules signals a new era for naturalization in the U.S., emphasizing knowledge of history, community engagement, and moral character. Officials hope the changes will reinforce the integrity of the immigration system while encouraging Americans to take an active role in the process.