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The week ending September 20, 2025, brought significant federal policy changes across immigration, trade, and public health. The administration implemented stricter citizenship requirements, terminated humanitarian protections for Syrian nationals, and adjusted international trade policies while addressing drug trafficking and environmental regulations.
These actions, documented in the Federal Register, represent coordinated policy shifts affecting thousands of individuals and multiple industries. The changes span from individual citizenship tests to billion-dollar trade relationships.
Drug Trafficking Nations Designated
The White House formally identified 23 nations as “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries” for Fiscal Year 2026. The Presidential Determination, signed September 8, singles out five countries for having “failed demonstrably” to meet international counternarcotics obligations.
Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela received the harshest designations. The presidential memorandum frames illicit drug flows as direct threats to U.S. national security and border integrity, explicitly linking them to “drug terrorist cartels.”
Country-Specific Assessments
Colombia faced particularly pointed criticism. The memorandum states that under President Gustavo Petro, “coca cultivation and cocaine production have surged to all-time records” and the government “failed to meet even its own vastly reduced coca eradication goals.”
Venezuela’s government received condemnation as the “criminal regime of indicted drug trafficker Nicolas Maduro,” accused of leading one of the world’s largest cocaine trafficking networks.
Despite harsh designations, the President determined that providing aid to Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela remains “vital to the national interests of the United States.” This creates diplomatic flexibility, allowing public criticism while maintaining funding for programs deemed strategically essential.
Patriot Day Proclamation
President signed Proclamation 10970, designating September 11, 2025, as Patriot Day. The document honors the 2,977 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and recognizes first responders and Flight 93 passengers.
The proclamation reinforces foreign policy themes, renewing resolve to “never again face such a ruthless attack” and committing to “upholding a foreign policy of peace through strength.” It calls for flag displays at half-staff and encourages youth education about the attacks to “reflect upon the unmatched pride that comes with being an American citizen.”
Citizenship Test Becomes More Difficult
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced implementation of a new, more rigorous “2025 Naturalization Civics Test” on September 18. The test applies to all Form N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, creating a 30-day window for applications under current standards.
The 2025 test represents substantial difficulty increases. It effectively reimplements a more challenging test briefly introduced in 2020.
Test Changes
The question pool expands from 100 to 128 potential civics questions. Test length doubles from 10 to 20 questions during oral exams. The passing score increases from 6 out of 10 correct to 12 out of 20 correct, maintaining the 60% threshold but requiring more total correct answers.
USCIS officers will now stop tests once applicants either pass by answering 12 correctly or fail by answering 9 incorrectly. This procedural change aims to streamline interview processes.
Special provisions remain for elderly applicants. Those aged 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years will take 10-question tests requiring 6 correct answers. However, their questions will be drawn from either the 2008 or 2025 question banks depending on filing dates.
| Feature | 2008 Test | 2025 Test |
|---|---|---|
| Question Pool | 100 questions | 128 questions |
| Questions Asked | 10 questions | 20 questions |
| Passing Score | 6 correct (60%) | 12 correct (60%) |
| Test Format | Oral exam | Oral exam, stops at pass/fail |
| Effective Date | Before Oct 20, 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 and after |
The administration stated the goal is to “restore integrity to the naturalization process” and ensure new citizens are “fully assimilated and will contribute to America’s future.” The test is part of broader changes including stricter vetting, enhanced disability exception reviews, and resumed “neighborhood investigations” to verify applicant eligibility.
Syria Protected Status Terminated
The Department of Homeland Security announced termination of Temporary Protected Status for Syria. The official notice, filed September 19, becomes effective November 21, 2025, giving current beneficiaries 60 days to leave the country or secure alternative legal status.
The decision directly impacts an estimated 4,000 to 7,000 Syrian nationals who have been living and working legally in the U.S. under this humanitarian program, some since its initial 2012 designation. After November 21, those remaining without other legal status face arrest and deportation.
The administration is encouraging voluntary departure through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection mobile app, offering incentives including complimentary plane tickets and $1,000 exit bonuses.
Conflicting Assessments
DHS justifies the termination by asserting “Conditions in Syria no longer prevent their nationals from returning home.” As a secondary rationale, the department cites national security, stating “Syria has been a hotbed of terrorism and extremism for nearly two decades.”
This rationale contrasts with other government information. The State Department maintains a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Syria – the highest warning level – citing ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, and armed conflict risks.
September 2025 news reports document continued instability including sectarian violence, Israeli military strikes, and humanitarian crises affecting 7 out of 10 Syrians. Human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International report that conditions remain unfit for safe refugee returns, citing arbitrary detentions, torture, and unlawful killings.
Steel and Aluminum Tariff Expansion
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security opened the “inclusions window” for Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. The notice, published September 17, runs from September 15-29, 2025, allowing domestic parties to petition for expanded product coverage.
The process targets “derivative” articles – finished or semi-finished goods containing significant steel or aluminum amounts, such as wind turbines, heavy equipment, or auto parts. The tariffs, increased to 50% in June 2025, aim to prevent foreign manufacturers from circumventing raw material tariffs by shipping finished products instead.
Japan Trade Agreement Implementation
The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration implemented tariff changes under the new U.S.-Japan trade agreement, effective immediately. The action, authorized by Executive Order 14345, modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
The framework applies a baseline 15% ad valorem tariff on most Japanese imports. The agreement includes separate treatments for key industries including automobiles, aerospace products, and generic pharmaceuticals.
The administration’s stated goals include leveling the playing field for American producers, reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Japan, and strengthening domestic manufacturing and defense industrial bases.
Craft Beverage Import Rules Finalized
The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau issued a final rule formalizing the refund system for craft beverage importers. The rule, filed September 19, makes permanent temporary regulations established under the Craft Beverage Modernization Act.
Previously, importers could claim reduced excise tax rates directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at entry. Under the new system, responsibility shifts to TTB. Importers must pay full tax rates upfront to CBP, then file separate refund claims with TTB quarterly through the online “myTTB” portal.
The refund-based system has operated under temporary rules since January 2023. TTB reports processing over 20,000 claims and paying more than $679 million in refunds, with a median processing time of 16 days.
Toxic Chemical Ban Delayed
The Environmental Protection Agency issued an interim final rule extending compliance deadlines for its near-total ban on trichloroethylene, a toxic chemical linked to cancer and serious health effects. The rule responds to industry petitions and national security concerns.
Two significant extensions were granted:
Nuclear fuel manufacturing prohibition using TCE as a processing aid is delayed three years, from September 15, 2025, to September 15, 2028. EPA cited “critical national security and energy implications” brought to attention by a nuclear fuel manufacturer after the final rule was issued.
Wastewater disposal deadlines for TCE by industrial processors extend to December 18, 2026, aligning with phase-out timelines for other related industrial uses.
The delays follow intense pressure and litigation. The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy raised economic impact concerns, and various industry groups filed challenging petitions. The national security justification provided rationale for granting reprieve to at least one critical industry.
Fentanyl-Related Substances Permanently Scheduled
The Drug Enforcement Administration published a final rule permanently placing seven specific fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I is the most restrictive category for substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.
The move subjects the substances to strictest regulatory controls and imposes severe administrative, civil, and criminal penalties on anyone manufacturing, distributing, or possessing them. The substances had previously been controlled under temporary scheduling orders.
The action responds to the ongoing opioid crisis and public safety threats from proliferating dangerous synthetic fentanyl analogues.
Greater Sage-Grouse Management Changes
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service filed two proposed rules to amend habitat management plans for the Greater Sage-Grouse across millions of acres of public land. The proposals aim to update 2015 conservation plans designed to prevent the bird from requiring Endangered Species Act listing.
The administration frames amendments as incorporating new science while “making more public land available for energy development and mining.” Industry groups and some Western governors praise the approach as recognizing state authority and promoting “common sense development.”
Environmental organizations including the Center for Biological Diversity and National Audubon Society argue the changes will weaken essential protections by giving states more discretion to waive conservation measures. They contend this authority shift will create weaker regulations heavily influenced by extractive industries.
Patriotic Education Grant Priority Proposed
The Department of Education published a proposed rule establishing a new grant priority titled “Promoting Patriotic Education.” If finalized, this priority would favor discretionary grant applicants whose projects align with the administration’s vision of American history and civics education.
The proposal defines “patriotic education” as presenting American history that is “accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling.” It calls for projects emphasizing the “nobility of America’s foundational principles” and situating the “American political tradition” within Western Civilization and Judeo-Christianity contexts.
The initiative links to the President’s January 2025 executive order reestablishing the “1776 Commission” and the recent “America 250 Civics Education Coalition” launch, partnering with conservative organizations including the America First Policy Institute, Hillsdale College, and Turning Point USA.
Education experts and civil liberties advocates argue the proposal represents federal attempts to impose specific ideology on school curricula, a practice legally prohibited since 1970. Critics describe the approach as partisan and warn it “smacks of authoritarianism” by using federal funds to incentivize particular historical narratives.
The public comment period remains open until October 17, 2025.
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule Changes
The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a final rule marking a significant policy shift regarding investor rights. The Commission will no longer consider mandatory arbitration provisions in company registration documents as grounds for denying acceleration requests for registration statement effectiveness.
Instead, SEC staff will focus on whether companies have adequately disclosed arbitration provisions to investors. This change could make it easier for companies to require shareholders to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than courts.
Laboratory Test Oversight Expanded
The Food and Drug Administration published a final rule amending regulations for “in vitro diagnostic products.” The rule represents part of the agency’s broader effort to increase oversight of laboratory-developed tests, which have historically been regulated less stringently than commercially manufactured medical devices.
Consular Fee Schedule Updated
The State Department finalized new fees for consular services, effective immediately. The updated Schedule of Fees for Consular Services affects costs for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals seeking visas, passports, and other documentation at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
Routine Government Operations
Federal agencies continued standard regulatory oversight. The U.S. Postal Service filed notices regarding new negotiated service agreements with private companies, part of competitive business operations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission processed numerous filings from energy companies for new tariffs and rate adjustments, reflecting constant oversight required for managing the nation’s energy grid.
These routine actions underscore the executive branch’s vast regulatory responsibilities beyond major policy debates. Daily operations include thousands of administrative decisions affecting commerce, safety, and public services across all sectors of the economy.
Implementation Timeline
The week’s actions follow different implementation schedules. The citizenship test changes take effect October 20, 2025, creating a brief window for applications under current standards. Syria’s Temporary Protected Status termination becomes effective November 21, 2025, giving beneficiaries 60 days to secure alternative arrangements.
Trade-related changes, including steel and aluminum tariff inclusions and Japan agreement implementation, took effect immediately. The patriotic education grant priority proposal requires public comment through October 17, 2025, before potential finalization.
Environmental rule changes, including the TCE ban delays and sage-grouse management amendments, follow varying schedules based on industry needs and legal requirements. The fentanyl scheduling became immediately effective upon publication.
Interagency Coordination
The week’s actions demonstrate coordination across multiple federal departments. Immigration policy changes span both DHS and USCIS, with consistent messaging about “restoring integrity” and ensuring “assimilation.” Trade actions involve Commerce, Treasury, and State Department agencies working to implement bilateral agreements and tariff policies.
Environmental and public health decisions involve EPA, DEA, and Fish and Wildlife Service, often balancing competing priorities including national security, industry costs, and scientific assessments. Education policy changes coordinate with broader initiatives including the 1776 Commission and America 250 coalition partnerships.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
