THE NATURALIZATION PROCESS

¶ … Naturalization Process

Naturalized Citizenship 101

Requirements for Naturalized Citizenship

What are the different categories of requirements for citizenship?

Foreign citizens who have been a permanent resident for five years or longer can apply to become a naturalized citizen of the United States (U.S. Department of Homeland Security [U.S. DHS], "Citizenship through Naturalization"). For permanent residents who are married to an American citizen the waiting period is reduced to three years. Permanent residents serving in the military can apply to become a naturalized citizen after one year of service, and if already discharged must have separated honorably. This one year waiting period can be waived if service is during a period of hostilities. Anyone that was born outside of the United States can apply for citizenship if one of the parents is a U.S. citizen.

What do you think it takes to be a good citizen of the United States, based on the requirements?

The five-year residency requirement, and the 30-month continuous physical presence prior to the application, demands a certain level of commitment to building a life in the United States. The American civics and English language requirements demonstrates the applicant's willingness to invest in citizenship. Permanent residents should also have been paying federal, state, and local taxes when required, and have signed up for Selective Service, which demonstrates a willingness to share the burden of citizenship. The good moral character requirement, as defined by the U.S. Constitution, represents a method for screening out criminals and those seeking to harm the United States.

Decide what you believe to be the five most important citizenship requirements, list them, and explain why you think each one is important.

1. The five-year residency and physical presence requirements would tend to eliminate those applicants unwilling or incapable of committing to a life in the United States. This is important because becoming an engaged American citizen requires paying attention to current events and voicing an opinion through voting, signing petitions, and engaging in other forms of civic duty. Performing these civic duties would be difficult, if not impossible, when residing for extended periods outside the country.

2. Signing up for Selective Service is probably one of the more dramatic declarations of a commitment to American citizenship, because it demonstrates a willingness to give one's life in service to their country.

3. Paying taxes while a permanent resident probably represents a substantial commitment to American citizenship for many immigrants, especially if they are also burdened with financially supporting family members left behind in their own country.

4. Screening applicants for criminal histories would disqualify criminal evading an arrest warrant in their home country or avoiding prosecution and prison. There is also a sense of fair play that demands such screening, if one is to assume that the societies from which these people came are to some extent responsible for their criminal behavior.

5. A minimum age of 18 is important because changing ones' citizenship is not a decision that should be taken lightly. U.S. citizens can vote and be called to serve in the military by the age of 18, so this is an appropriate minimum age.

Part B: Oath of Allegiance

What are new citizens promising to do?

The Oath of Allegiance requires naturalized citizens to let go of their former lives as citizens of another country, before taking an oath of allegiance to the United States (U.S. DHS, "A Guide to Naturalization," p. 28). This allegiance is made not to the government or political leaders, but to the laws of United States as defined by the U.S. Constitution and other statutes. The Oath also requires new citizens to willingly and without hesitation serve in the military or civil service if called upon to do so by the U.S. government.

Do you think it's a good idea for new citizens to take this oath? Why or why not?

Yes, I think it's a good idea because it states the allegiance isn't to anything other than a body of laws. As John Adams, the second President of the United States stated, "a nation of laws not men" (Adams 106). The Oath also demands that naturalized citizens be willing to make the same sacrifices all American citizens are required to do, which is only fair. The Oath seems a bit heavy on being an obedient new citizen, when the nature of the American political and social discourse is one of diversity of opinions, distrust of authority, and civil dissent.

Part C: Revising the Naturalization Process

Revisions of the naturalizing process should retain the screening out of career criminals, minimum age limit, residency requirements, civics education, and require a history of paying U.S. taxes. Applicants should also be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.