Immigrant New Yorkers Face a Tougher Citizenship Exam in 2026

Nearly 120,000 residents across the New York metropolitan area became U.S. citizens in 2024. For those hoping to follow the same path, a higher hurdle is coming. The U.S. citizenship exam is being revised, and instructors across the five boroughs say the new version is more demanding and requires a deeper understanding of American civics.

Across New York, organizations that support immigrants are racing to adjust lesson plans, update study materials, and prepare thousands of aspiring Americans for a test that is no longer just about memorizing answers.

“There's a lot of new material to learn,” said Caton McFadden, a teacher and curriculum developer at Brooklyn Public Library who helps guide immigrants through the naturalization process.

A More Complex Test

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the revisions in September, part of a broader shift under the Trump administration that tightened immigration policies and narrowed some legal pathways to citizenship. USCIS leadership argued the existing test was “just too easy.”

Here are the significant changes:

1. More Questions to Study
Applicants will now prepare for 128 possible questions, up from 100. Many require a deeper understanding of U.S. history, the Constitution, and the structure of government.

2. Stricter Passing Requirements
The civics test remains oral, but applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly, instead of the previous requirement of 6 out of 10.

3. More Analytical Content
Some questions shift from facts to reasoning. Examples include:

• Why is it essential to pay federal taxes?

• What is the importance of the 10th Amendment?

• Why does the president serve only two terms?

• Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?

Instructors say these require not only memory, but the ability to explain and express ideas clearly in English.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Immigrant rights advocates have criticized the changes, calling them unnecessary barriers. The National Partnership for New Americans said the new test “is designed to exclude, not educate,” especially affecting applicants with lower English proficiency.

Their October report noted a recent increase in citizenship denials, rising from 8 percent during the end of the Biden administration to 10 percent in the early months of Trump’s presidency.

New York Organizations Adjust

Despite concerns, New York’s educators and community groups are moving forward.

Brooklyn Public Library is expanding its citizenship preparation course from 11 to 12 weeks, giving students more time to learn the additional material.

The New York Historical Society is revising its curriculum and updating study tools, including flash cards and instructional videos. The organization supports about 2,000 students each year.

Queens Community House highlighted that strong English-language skills may make the revised test easier, especially when questions require explanation rather than one-word answers.

Filipinos in New York and the Path to Citizenship

For many Filipino immigrants, the naturalization process represents stability, opportunity, and a long-term commitment to building a life in the United States. This new test may add challenges, but instructors report confidence in the determination and discipline of immigrant communities.

“I feel really good about our students,” McFadden said. “They are diligent and committed.”

Who Will Take the New Test?

The revised exam applies to applicants who filed for citizenship on or after October 20 of this year.

As the changes take effect, community members are encouraged to stay informed, join review classes, and use updated study resources. New York’s libraries, nonprofits, and advocacy groups remain ready to support every aspiring American on their journey.

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Broadway Week 2026: A Great Time to Experience New York Theater

Broadway Week 2026: Your Guide to NYC’s 2-for-1 Theater Tickets (January 20 to February 12)

Broadway Week 2026 is coming to New York City from January 20 to February 12, offering one of the best opportunities of the year to enjoy world-class theater at a fraction of the cost. With 2-for-1 Broadway tickets, residents and visitors can experience hit musicals, classic productions, fan favorites, and new shows without breaking the budget.

This annual program is one of NYC’s most anticipated cultural events, drawing theater lovers, families, tourists, and locals who want to explore the magic of Broadway. The full list of participating shows is typically released about two weeks before Broadway Week begins, and will be available on the official NYC Broadway Week website.

What to Expect for Broadway Week 2026

While the 2026 lineup has not been published yet, last fall’s participating productions give a strong preview of the types of shows that may return. The most recent season featured a mix of long-running musicals, new Broadway hits, immersive performances, and critically acclaimed plays.

Sample Broadway Week Shows from Last Season

• Mamma Mia!

• Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride

• Maybe Happy Ending

• MJ The Musical

• The Outsiders

• Death Becomes Her

• The Lion King

• Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

• The Great Gatsby

• Hell’s Kitchen

• Aladdin

• Stranger Things: The First Shadow

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

• Hadestown

• Punch

• Buena Vista Social Club

• Oh, Mary!

• Six

• Moulin Rouge! The Musical

• Wicked

• Chicago

• & Juliet

• The Book of Mormon

• Operation Mincemeat

These productions represent a broad spectrum of Broadway experiences, from family-friendly blockbusters to powerful dramas, high-energy musicals, and new works that have quickly become audience favorites.

Why Broadway Week Is Worth Planning For

Broadway Week’s 2-for-1 ticket promotion makes it significantly easier to enjoy premium seats at a fraction of the typical cost. It is the perfect time to discover new shows, revisit classics, or introduce a friend or family member to the excitement of live theater.

Whether you are commuting from another borough, visiting from out of state, or living right here in the city, Broadway Week provides tremendous value and access to the best of NYC’s performing arts scene.

How to Join Broadway Week 2026

• Check the official NYC Broadway Week website for the full list of participating shows.

• Mark your calendar for when booking opens (usually early January)

• Reserve your tickets early, especially for popular musicals

• Plan your Broadway day: dining, travel, and nearby attractions

• How to Purchase: When the program is live, you can book tickets through the official NYC Tourism website or other ticketing platforms using a specific promo code (which will be released on the sale date).

Broadway Week is one of the most celebrated annual programs in New York City, bringing together locals, tourists, families, and theater enthusiasts for nearly a month of unbeatable deals.

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How the 2026 Minimum Wage Update Impacts Workers in New York

 New York Minimum Wage Increase Set for January 1, 2026

Workers across New York are preparing for a wage increase that could help ease the cost of living in the coming year. Beginning January 1, 2026, the state’s minimum wage will rise again, offering higher earnings for many employees, including those in service, caregiving, hospitality, retail, and other hourly roles that support countless Filipino families in New York.

According to the New York State Department of Labor, the new rates are as follows:

2026 Minimum Wage Rates
• $17 per hour in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties
• $16 per hour in all other counties across New York State

This adjustment reflects the state’s ongoing effort to keep wages aligned with the increasing cost of living. For comparison, the current minimum wage is:
• $16.50 in NYC and surrounding counties
• $15.50 in all other regions of the state

For many Filipino workers, these changes may create a meaningful difference. Higher hourly pay may help with rent, transportation, groceries, remittances, and the day-to-day expenses of living in one of the most dynamic but costly cities in the world. The increase may ease the pressure on those supporting families both here and in the Philippines.

As a community, staying informed helps us plan better for the year ahead. Whether you are working full-time, part-time, or in multiple roles, staying up to date on wage updates is an essential step toward financial stability.

This change takes effect at the start of the new year. Sharing this information may help others prepare as well.

Filipinos in New York continue to thrive because of our resilience, shared knowledge, and the bayanihan spirit that strengthens us wherever we go.

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The Joy of Room Sharing & Apartment Living With Kababayan

Living in New York or New Jersey can be challenging — the rent is high, the schedules are busy, and the city can feel overwhelming. But for many Filipinos, what makes life easier, warmer, and more meaningful is sharing a home with fellow kababayan.

Room sharing and apartment sharing have become more than just practical housing options.
They’ve become a lifeline — a modern expression of bayanihan.

When Filipinos live together, the home becomes a space filled with comfort, culture, laughter, and community.

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🏠 It Starts With Shelter… But Becomes So Much More

Sharing a room or apartment with a kababayan often begins with the need for an affordable place to stay. But very quickly, it becomes a deeper experience — a home built on shared values and a familiar culture.

It’s a place where “Kumain ka na?” is a daily greeting, not a formality — and where support is freely given, even before you ask for it.

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🍳 Cooking Meals Together & Sharing Food

Food is one of the biggest sources of joy in a Filipino household.
Kababayans living together often spend evenings:

• cooking adobo, sinigang, pancit, or tinola

• sharing leftover ulam from work

• trying new recipes together

• bonding over breakfast silog meals

• hosting mini-potlucks right in the kitchen

The dining table becomes a gathering place — full of laughter, stories, and plates passed from one hand to another.

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🎤 Karaoke Nights That Feel Like Home

Where there are Filipinos, there is karaoke.
And in shared apartments, karaoke nights are practically a tradition.

It might be:

• a Friday night after a long work week

• a roommate’s birthday

• a holiday celebration

• or simply because everyone feels like singing

Someone grabs the mic, someone cooks pulutan, and suddenly the entire home feels like a fiesta.

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🃏 Playing Tong-Its, Cards, and Board Games

Filipino bonding is never complete without games.
Roommates often spend downtime playing:

• Tong-its

• Pusoy Dos

• Lucky 9

• Sungka

• even board games like chess, Jenga, or Uno

The competitive but friendly energy turns an ordinary night into a fun memory.

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⛪ Going to Church Together

For many kababayan, faith is an important part of life.
Living together often means:

• going to Sunday Mass as a group

• attending Simbang Gabi

• supporting parish events

• volunteering together

It’s a beautiful way to stay grounded and connected to Filipino traditions.

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🚗 Weekend Getaways & Day Trips

Because expenses are shared, roommates often plan simple escapes together, like:

• a weekend trip to the Jersey Shore

• visiting Upstate NY for nature views

• outlet shopping at Woodbury

• strolling through Central Park

• or simply exploring new Pinoy restaurants across Queens

These moments create friendships that feel like family.

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🤝 A Modern Bayanihan Community

Room sharing among Filipinos is more than splitting the rent.
It’s about:

• supporting each other emotionally

• offering advice to newcomers

• helping job seekers

• guiding students

• checking in on someone who’s sick

• celebrating wins

• surviving challenges together

In a city as fast-paced as New York, this kind of support is priceless.

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A Home Away From Home

Every Filipino who opens their home or shares their space keeps our culture alive.
Every roommate who becomes a friend strengthens the community.
Every apartment where laughter, food, songs, and prayers are shared becomes a true Filipino home.

If you have a room, apartment, or space to rent — or if you’re looking for one — the Filipinos of NY/NJ community welcomes you.

Here, you are never alone.
You are part of a family —
a modern-day bayanihan in the heart of the city. 🇵🇭🏙️

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Filipino Comfort on a Plate: The Rise of Pinoy Food in New York City

Nothing feels quite like home the way Filipino food does — especially when you’re thousands of miles away from the Philippines. Here in New York City, where every corner boasts flavors from around the world, Filipino cuisine continues to rise and make its mark, one comforting silog plate at a time.

The photo above captures exactly what many Filipinos in NYC crave on a random weekday morning or a lazy Sunday brunch:
a hearty plate of garlic rice, fried egg, and your choice of ulam — tapa, tocino, longganisa, daing, or bangus.
Simple, humble, but full of soul.

Why Filipino Food Is Thriving in NYC

New York is a city of dreamers — and Filipino food fits right in. Here’s why Pinoy cuisine is earning the spotlight:

✨ Familiar comfort for Filipinos abroad
With many Filipinos living and working in NY, our classic flavors — sweet, salty, sour, savory — instantly feel like a warm hug from home.

✨ Adventurous flavors for New Yorkers
Non-Filipinos are discovering dishes they’ve never tried before — adobo, kare-kare, silog meals, lechon kawali, halo-halo, and more.

✨ A growing community of Filipino restaurants, pop-ups, and chefs
From Queens to Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Pinoy food scene is expanding and evolving. Every chef brings their own spin, but the heart of the cuisine stays the same:
comfort, community, and the joy of sharing a good meal.

Silog: The Breakfast That Won NYC

Just like in the Philippines, silog meals have become a favorite here — not only for breakfast, but all day long.
You’ll find:

• Tapsilog – marinated beef, slightly sweet, perfectly savory

• Longsilog – sweet or garlicky longganisa

• Tocilog – pork tocino with that iconic reddish glaze

• Bangsilog / Daingsilog – fried fish for those who want something classic

• Spamsilog – a nostalgic favorite

And of course, always partnered with sinangag (garlic fried rice) and itlog (fried egg) — the perfect trio.

Filipino Food Isn’t Just Food — It’s Identity

Every silog plate tells a story:
The story of Filipino mornings, family kitchens, OFW life, and the unbreakable bond we all share through food.

Whether you're a local New Yorker or a Filipino longing for a taste of home, NYC’s Filipino food spots let you experience something truly special:
The flavors of the Philippines, alive in the heart of the Big Apple.

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