NATURALIZATIONImportant Policies and Information

Shan AminzadehAngela TaglinaoJake Ngyuen Araceli ZamoraBryan MartinezAhvianna Armstead

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until act was repealed 60 years later.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

NATURALIZATION’S IN THE PAST

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

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.

FEE INCREASES IN THE PAST

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

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