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Question 58 of 100 · 2008 test

What is one reason colonists came to America?

2008 test

This question is from the 2008 test, which applies if you filed Form N-400 before Oct 20, 2025; later filers take the 2025 test of 128 questions - check your version on the official USCIS test-updates page.

Acceptable answers

  • freedom
  • political liberty
  • religious freedom
  • economic opportunity
  • practice their religion
  • escape persecution

Explanation

Colonists came seeking freedom, religious liberty, economic opportunity, and escape from persecution.

Why it matters

The search for freedom and opportunity is a founding thread that still shapes American identity.

The 65/20 special consideration

Question 58 is not in the 65/20 set. An applicant who is 65 or older and has been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more studies only the 20 marked questions, so this one would not be asked. Everyone else studies all 100.

Filter the full list by the 65/20 set →

Answers that get mixed up with this one

These are the wrong options the practice test puts beside this question. Each one is the correct answer to a different question, which is what makes it tempting.

More Colonial Period and Independence questions

Questions the officer draws from the same part of the test. Studying them together is what keeps their answers apart.

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