Tests for U.S. citizenship will have the wording "freedom of religion" returned, according to an announcement by
Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford.
The Department of Homeland Security changed wording on the U.S. citizenship exam in 2008 from "freedom of religion" to "freedom of worship."
Lankford questioned the change when he was elected in 2014, and pursued a return to the "freedom of religion" wording.
DHS announced a plan, in a letter to Lankford, to reverse the change by the end of 2016.
"We are in the process of revising our study materials and Web content to reflect the change," said DHS director Leon Rodriguez. "Approximately 40 different internal and external Web-based and printed publications will be revised."
The announcement said that both "freedom of worship" and "freedom of religion" are now correct answers.
"At first glance, it appears like a small matter," Lankford said, "but it is actually an important distinction for the Constitution and the First Amendment."
"The 'freedom of religion' language reflects our right to live a life of faith at all times, while the 'freedom of worship' reflects a right simply confined to a particular space and location," said Lankford. "We live in a great nation that allows individuals to live out their faith, or have no faith at all."
"To protect freedom and diversity, we must carefully articulate this right throughout the federal government," said Lankford.
The change will ensure that new citizens "get off on the right foot," said Lankford in the
Daily Signal.
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