Understanding Naturalization: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives

1. Shan Aminzadeh Angela Taglinao Jake Ngyuen Araceli Zamora Bryan Martinez Ahvianna Armstead Naturalization Important Policies and Information

2. Brief Background of Naturalization Policies • Naturalization- the process of admitting a foreigner to citizenship of a country. • Naturalization Act of 1790 • Granted to “free-born” whites who could show good moral character and resided in U.S. for two or more years. • Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 • Many Chinese were banned from entering country until act was repealed 60 years later. • Congress seemed to be idle on naturalization policies during the 19th century except for granting citizenship to African Americans • Established the 14th amendment • 1992: Women were able to naturalize without marital status. • 1952: Naturalization was extended to all races

3. Naturalization’s in the Past

4. Process of Naturalization (Current) • The most current naturalization process as defined by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services: • “a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; • residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing; • an ability to read, write, and speak English; • a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; • good moral character; • attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and favorable disposition toward the United States.” • Exceptions: Spouse of US Citizen (3 years), children of citizens, and those who have served honorably in any specified period of armed conflict with hostile foreign forces. • Four steps: • Completing application and getting photograph • Getting fingerprinted • Being interview • Taking the oath

6. The New Test and Fee Increase • Costs to naturalize went from $330 to $595 after Aug. 1st, 2007. • Discourages many from naturalizing • USCIS argued fee increase was needed to improve services, reduce wait times, and modernize the old paperback process • New Naturalization Test went into effect Oct. 1, 2008. • New tests was more conceptual • Advocates argued old tests was to heavily weighed on historical facts and non-critical questions. • Some argued it was too hard because was more conceptual, more study time, disadvantage to those who don’t speak English well. • Two parts: Civic section and English and Writing Section.

8. Fee Increases in the Past

9. Importance of Naturalization in Comprehensive Reform Bill • Provides an actual pathway to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants • Most comprehensive reform bill was 2006 • And had bipartisan support, and was the bill that went the farthest in congress • Some of its provision such as the DREAM Act was further debated in congress • The Dream Act allowed for the naturalization of the undocumented children, minors • By either attending college for 2 years or serving 2 years in the military in order to acquire a conditional status, there would have to be a long wait after this. (approximately 15 years) • Changes in immigration sentiment • Viewpoints changed in the 2007 bill that lean towards a more anti immigration sentiment. • Was it because of the decline of 2006 demonstrations by the Latino population? • Acquiring citizenship is the ultimate way of becoming a member of U.S. society • A form of assimilation • Benefits of being a citizen

10. Fear of Denial and Gov. Promotion • With more requirements and procedures, citizenship-seekers fear the denial of their application which discourages naturalization. • Time, hassle, money, legal issues • Is it the governments job to promote naturalization? • Programs that educate immigrants to help them pass naturalization test. • Naturalization is often viewed as one of the last steps of incorporating immigrants into American culture. • Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007