The director stated that the brand new course of might contain a standardized check and essay-like responses to check candidates’ data and English language abilities.
WASHINGTON—The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Providers, on Sept. 4, introduced that his company can be growing the issue of the present check for immigrants to be naturalized as residents of the US.
Director Joseph B. Edlow made the announcement at an occasion hosted by the Heart for Immigration Research, a gaggle that seeks to decrease the admissions of immigrants to the US. He stated that the present check—which requires candidates to reveal the flexibility to learn and write in English, in addition to appropriately reply six out of 10 questions associated to the federal government, historical past, and civics—would get replaced by a brand new check that entails extra elements, together with essay responses.
“We’re in search of an attachment to the Structure. We’re in search of an understanding of the civic duty of being a U.S. citizen. We’re in search of precise understanding and skill to learn and converse and write the English language,” Edlow stated. “Frankly, this check is simply too simple … we have to make it slightly tougher … That’s what we’re going to do.”
“We’re going to make the check tougher by way of making the questions extra thought-provoking,” Edlow stated. “I’d even contemplate, if potential, shifting to a standardized check format … and [having applicants] write an essay on ‘What does it imply to me to be an American?’” he additionally famous, including that “with the ability to be coached by means of this course of proper now shouldn’t be one thing that must be allowed.”
“Naturalization” is the method of a overseas nationwide turning into a U.S. citizen, often after turning into a Lawful Everlasting Resident, reminiscent of by possessing a “inexperienced card,” and spending between three and 5 years on such a standing. It’s one in every of 3 ways to turn into a U.S. citizen, the opposite two being “derivation” by a minor baby when their custodial mother and father naturalize, in addition to beginning as a natural-born U.S. citizen both within the nation or, topic to guidelines, overseas to an American guardian.
The naturalization check is one element of the method of naturalization, the opposite being the requirement to swear an oath of allegiance to the Structure and legal guidelines and pledge sure guarantees, reminiscent of to bear arms on behalf of the US. An applicant who fails any element of the naturalization check is eligible to retake it a second time, inside a 60- to 90-day interval. In the event that they fail a second time, their utility for naturalization is denied, they forfeit any charges, and they’re required to reapply from the start of the method.
Edlow stated that the didn’t need to make the check “so exhausting that it’s not possible,” however famous that the questions have to be modified.
“I’m declaring struggle on anybody that’s coming to this nation and desires to get a profit, however doesn’t need the duty of what it means to truly be a U.S. citizen,” Edlow famous.
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