Transcript Naturalization - UC Irvine, OpenCourseWare

Shan Aminzadeh
Angela Taglinao
Jake Ngyuen
Araceli Zamora
Bryan Martinez
Ahvianna Armstead
NATURALIZATION
Important Policies and Information
BRIEF BACKGROUND OF NATURALIZATION
POLICIES
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Naturalization- the process of admitting a foreigner to
citizenship of a country.
Naturalization Act of 1790
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Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
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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was repealed 60 years later.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
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Granted to “free-born” whites who could show good moral
character and resided in U.S. for two or more years.
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)
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The most current naturalization process as defined by the
United States Citizen and Immigration Services:
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“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:
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Completing application and getting photograph
Getting fingerprinted
Being interview
Taking the oath
THE NEW TEST AND FEE INCREASE
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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
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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.
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Two parts: Civic section and English and Writing
Section.
FEE INCREASES IN THE PAST
IMPORTANCE OF NATURALIZATION IN
COMPREHENSIVE REFORM BILL
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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
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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?
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Acquiring citizenship is the ultimate way of becoming a member of
U.S. society
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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
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