N ATURALIZATION Important Policies and Information Shan Aminzadeh Angela Taglinao Jake Ngyuen Araceli Zamora Bryan Martinez Ahvianna Armstead

B RIEF B ACKGROUND OF N ATURALIZATION P OLICIES 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 Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 Many Chinese were banned from entering country until act was repealed 60 years later.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 19 th century except for granting citizenship to African Americans Established the 14 th amendment 1992: Women were able to naturalize without marital status. 1952: Naturalization was extended to all races

N ATURALIZATION ’ S IN THE P AST

P ROCESS OF N ATURALIZATION (C URRENT ) 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

T HE N EW T EST AND F EE I NCREASE Costs to naturalize went from $330 to $595 after Aug. 1 st, 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, 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.

F EE I NCREASES IN THE P AST

I MPORTANCE OF N ATURALIZATION IN C OMPREHENSIVE R EFORM B ILL 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

F EAR OF D ENIAL AND G OV. P ROMOTION 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