BY LINDA BENTLEY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
The great American citizenship compromise and giveaway
The written notice must identify the words in the Oath of Allegiance that the applicant wishes to be exempted from reciting
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sent out an e-mail early Wednesday morning with the subject line “Preparing for the Naturalization Test: The Citizenship Resource Center.”
The e-mail stated, “At USCIS, we know that the decision to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most meaningful decisions in an individual’s life. USCIS has a lot to offer for those wishing to become citizens.”
The provided link takes one to “The Beacon, The Official Blog of USCIC.”
The Sept. 6, 2011 USCIS blog entry provides a host of other links to assist with preparing for the naturalization test, including one for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and one to its “Citizen Resource Center,” for “those preparing for the naturalization test.”
The blog goes on to explain the process and states, “During the naturalization interview with a USCIS Officer, you will be tested on your knowledge of civics and your ability to speak, understand, read, and write English.”
It states: “Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS Officer from your answers to questions normally asked during the eligibility interview on the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.
“For the English portion, you will be given both a reading test and a writing test. You must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English. You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.
“For the civics portion, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. You must answer six out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.”
However, it goes on to say, “Certain applicants, because of age and time as a permanent resident; or others because of a disability, have different English and civics requirements,” directing the applicant to the “Exceptions and Accommodations” web page for details.
An applicant is exempt from the English language requirement, but still required to take the civics test if the person is:
• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years, referred to as the 50/20 exception; or
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years, the 55/15 exception.
Because those who qualify for either English language exception must still take the civics test, it states they may be permitted to take it in their native language, providing their understanding of the English language is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
If the test is taken in a person’s native language, the applicant must bring an interpreter that is fluent in both the applicant’s native language and English.
Applicants who are 65 years or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years “will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.”
There are also medical disability exceptions if a physical, developmental or mental impairment would preclude one from complying with the English and civics requirements.
And, if an applicant is engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment, that person could be granted an exception to the continuous residence requirement.
Applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult to complete the naturalization process may be provided with a variety of accommodations.
And, last but not least, while all applicants must take an oath of allegiance in a public ceremony, the law allows certain modifications to the Oath.
According to USCIS, if an applicant is unwilling to take the Oath of Allegiance in its entirety, that person must provide a written notice either at the time of filing or at the time of his scheduled interview explaining the circumstances for a request to take a modified Oath of Allegiance. The written notice must identify the words in the Oath of Allegiance that the applicant wishes to be exempted from reciting and provide an explanation as to why the words are against his religious training and belief.
USCIS apparently believes 15 to 20 years is an insufficient amount of time to learn English, civics is a bargaining chip, and, if an applicant finds our Oath of Allegiance offensive, the applicant should be accommodated with a modified oath.
Welcome to America.
