IMMIGRATION MATTERS
A Column by Kimberley A. Chandler, Immigration Attorney
November, 2009
Naturalization:
The Final and Greatest Reward
It is not easy to become a United States citizen.
Those of us who claim that status simply because
we were born here tend to take our citizenship
for granted. We shouldn't. It is a gift for which
we should be grateful; one that is coveted by
people from every corner of the world.
What's
so tough about becoming a United States citizen?
Applying for naturalization is not complicated,
but getting to that point is complicated and
lengthy. Nearly everyone who is eligible for
naturalization must have resided, as a lawful
permanent resident, or “green card holder,” in
the United States for several years. Becoming
a lawful permanent resident is an arduous process
that begins with proving that you are eligible
because of a close family relationship with a
United States citizen or permanent resident or
because you have a job skill that is in demand,
along with a job offer. The process concludes
with an assessment of whether your background – including
health, legal issues and financial status – precludes
you from becoming a permanent resident. The process
of becoming a permanent resident, if successful,
generally takes from two to twenty years. Add
to that the usual requirement that one live three
to five years in the United States as a permanent
resident before applying for naturalization,
and the road to citizenship seems interminable!
In
addition to completing an application, those
wanting to become naturalized United States citizens
must pass an oral examination on United States
history, government and geography. For many baby
boomers, those questions are easy; but, for our
young people . . . not so much. I'm afraid that
the televised exchanges between Jay Leno and
various young adults typify the younger generation's
level of knowledge about our country's history,
government and geography. One question Leno posed
was, “How many stars are there on the United
States flag?” The answer: “The wind won't stop
blowing so I can count them.” Another question
was, “Can you name our neighboring country to
the north?” The answer: “Mexico.”
Our newly-naturalized United States citizens
not only know the answers to these basic questions;
they are proud of their knowledge. Most study
very hard to prepare for citizenship. To them,
United States citizenship is an honor and a blessing.
If you have never been to a naturalization ceremony,
why not attend one? The speakers are usually
inspirational, and the excitement and emotion
of the new citizens is palpable. Most importantly,
it is a powerful reminder of what a treasure
United States citizenship is.
This article should not be relied upon as
legal advice. Consult an immigration attorney
for advice specific to your situation.
|
