1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “applicants” for “petitioners” in first sentence.

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, § 407(d)(10), struck out “for the purpose of making appropriate recommendations to the naturalization courts” before period at end of first sentence and struck out second sentence which read as follows: “Such examination, in the discretion of the Attorney General, and under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by him, may be conducted before or after the applicant has filed his petition for naturalization.”

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–649, § 406, added subsec. (h).

Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.