The director mentioned that the brand new course of could contain a standardized check and essay-like responses to check candidates’ data and English language expertise.
WASHINGTON—The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Companies, on Sept. 4, introduced that his company can be rising 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 mentioned that the present check—which requires candidates to reveal the power to learn and write in English, in addition to accurately reply six out of 10 questions associated to the federal government, historical past, and civics—would get replaced by a brand new check that includes extra parts, together with essay responses.
“We’re looking for an attachment to the Constitution. We’re looking for an understanding of the civic responsibility of being a U.S. citizen. We’re looking for actual understanding and ability to read and speak and write the English language,” Edlow mentioned. “Frankly, this test is just too easy … we need to make it a little more challenging … That’s what we’re going to do.”
“We’re going to make the test harder in terms of making the questions more thought-provoking,” Edlow mentioned. “I might even consider, if possible, moving to a standardized test format … and [having applicants] write an essay on ‘What does it mean to me to be an American?’” he additionally famous, including that “being able to be coached through this process right now is not something that should be allowed.”
“Naturalization” is the method of a international nationwide turning into a U.S. citizen, often after turning into a Lawful Everlasting Resident, equivalent to by possessing a “green 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 father or mother.
The naturalization check is one part 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, equivalent to to bear arms on behalf of the US. An applicant who fails any part 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 software for naturalization is denied, they forfeit any charges, and they’re required to reapply from the start of the method.
Edlow mentioned that the didn’t need to make the check “so hard that it’s impossible,” however famous that the questions must be modified.
“I am declaring war on anyone that is coming to this country and wants to get a benefit, but doesn’t want the responsibility of what it means to actually be a U.S. citizen,” Edlow famous.
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