CitizenshipShortcut Turns Naturalization Prep into a Game

CitizenshipShortcut Uses XP Points and Streaks to Ease U.S. Naturalization Test Prep

Euclid, United States – July 8, 2026 / TaxUS Enterprises LLC /

TaxUS Enterprises LLC has launched CitizenshipShortcut, a gamified civics preparation platform designed to help immigrants in the United States prepare for the official naturalization interview. The platform replaces conventional memorization techniques with an interactive experience built around XP points, daily streaks, and competitive leaderboards — addressing what many applicants describe as one of the most stressful stages of the naturalization process.

A Personal Journey Behind the Platform

The origins of CitizenshipShortcut trace directly to the experience of founder Marcus G. Bastawros and his family. Watching his father navigate the demanding and often isolating process of becoming a U.S. citizen left a lasting impression on Bastawros. The preparation required to pass the civics portion of the naturalization interview — which draws from 128 official questions published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — can feel overwhelming for applicants who are simultaneously managing work, family obligations, and the emotional weight of a high-stakes legal milestone.

That personal connection became the driving force behind TaxUS Enterprises LLC’s decision to build a tool that centers the applicant’s confidence and engagement, rather than simply presenting a list of facts to memorize.

“Watching my father go through that process showed me how isolating and stressful naturalization prep can be,” said Marcus G. Bastawros, Founder of TaxUS Enterprises LLC. “CitizenshipShortcut was built to change that — to take the same 128 USCIS questions every applicant has to know and turn studying into something people actually want to come back to every day.”

Gamification as a Preparation Strategy

CitizenshipShortcut structures its learning experience around mechanics familiar from consumer apps, applying them to a civics context with meaningful stakes. Users earn XP points as they work through questions, maintain daily streaks that reward consistent practice, and can track their progress relative to other users through leaderboards. The design reflects a deliberate choice to keep learners engaged over time rather than relying on last-minute cramming.

The platform covers all 128 official USCIS civics questions that are part of the naturalization interview, providing full alignment with the material applicants will actually encounter. By organizing that content within a progression-based framework, CitizenshipShortcut aims to reduce anxiety through familiarity — giving applicants repeated, varied exposure to the material rather than a static review sheet.

Freemium Access for a Diverse Applicant Population

TaxUS Enterprises LLC has structured CitizenshipShortcut on a freemium model, meaning applicants can access core features without a financial commitment. This approach reflects an awareness of the economic diversity among immigrants pursuing naturalization. The cost of the immigration process itself — including filing fees and legal support — already creates financial pressure for many applicants, and the company designed the platform’s pricing structure with that context in mind.

The freemium foundation is also intended to lower the barrier to entry for first-time users who may be uncertain about committing to a new tool in the middle of an already stressful process.

Reframing a High-Stakes Milestone

The naturalization interview is a singular moment for millions of people who have built their lives in the United States. Failure to pass the civics portion can delay the process significantly, adding months of uncertainty to what is already a long journey. TaxUS Enterprises LLC developed CitizenshipShortcut with the position that preparation for that interview does not have to feel punishing.

By anchoring the experience in consistent engagement — through daily streaks that reward return visits and XP systems that make progress visible — the platform is designed to build genuine confidence rather than surface-level familiarity with the material. For applicants who may have limited time to study each day, the structure encourages short, frequent sessions that accumulate into meaningful preparation over time.

About TaxUS Enterprises LLC

TaxUS Enterprises LLC is the company behind CitizenshipShortcut, a civics preparation platform built to support immigrants preparing for the U.S. naturalization interview. Founded by Marcus G. Bastawros, TaxUS Enterprises LLC develops tools aimed at reducing friction in complex, high-stakes personal milestones. CitizenshipShortcut uses gamification mechanics — including XP points, daily streaks, and leaderboards — to help applicants engage with the 128 official USCIS civics questions through a freemium platform accessible to a broad range of users.

Learn more at TaxUS Enterprises LLC