2008 test · Question 58 of 100
What is one reason colonists came to America?
Official USCIS answers
- freedom
- political liberty
- religious freedom
- economic opportunity
- practice their religion
- escape persecution
Why this is the answer
Colonists came to America for different reasons. Some wanted freedom to practice their religion, some wanted political liberty, and others wanted economic opportunity or to escape persecution.
💡 Memory tip: Remember: freedom, liberty, religion, opportunity, persecution.
This is the 2008 test, for N-400s filed before October 20, 2025. Filed on or after that date? Use the 2025 test.
More from Colonial Period and Independence
- 59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
- 60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
- 61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
- 62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
- 63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
- 64. There were 13 original states. Name three.
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Source: USCIS, Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (rev. 01/19).