Global Policy Forum

By Luis Flórez

The upcoming presidential elections, strict anti-terrorist measures and the announcement of a drastic change in the format of citizenship exams are causing many U.S. residents to become citizens. But what's prompting these people to change their status – a patriotic drive or immigration fears?

Becoming a citizen, considered the ultimate goal for most immigrants in the United States, is each day becoming more a necessity than a point of national pride. The ability to enjoy the protection that the government offers U.S. nationals, to avoid unpleasant immigration experiences or to be reunited with one's family on U.S. soil are some of the reasons that lead thousands of permanent residents to change their legal status each year.

The Bush government's drastic measures to reform national security and attain better control of immigration engendered fear among undocumented workers and illegal residents. Under the current threat of terrorism, even a legalized immigrant could end up jeopardizing his right to remain in the United States. Furthermore, it has become progressively more difficult to access the health benefits, employment opportunities, legal protection and economic aid offered by the government. Commenting on these developments, Stella Figueredo, a specialist on immigration-related issues and the director of American Immigration Federation, stated that people are currently becoming citizens due to an immigration crisis. "The patriotic aspect is still a factor, but many people are becoming citizens to once again be reunited with their families. Furthermore, [people are becoming citizens] because of the risks caused by having been involved in prior legal proceedings, because of not being able to exit or return to the country or [the possibility of] having legal difficulties in airports. From my perspective, in 60 percent of the cases, people are becoming citizens due to questions related to [the legal aspects of] immigration."

As more immigrants seek to apply for citizenship, immigration authorities are making citizenship examinations more difficult. Each time the government modifies the test, it becomes progressively more complex, because the government seeks to make it more difficult for immigrants to actually become citizens. However, it is still possible to apply for citizenship and take the traditional exam, which consists of 100 questions. "We haven't seen the real difficulties yet. It will truly become difficult in 2005. And this [new test] is another story altogether, and people are rushing to become citizens now, fearing the consequences of having to take the new test," Figueredo pointed out. "But becoming a U.S. citizen doesn't only guarantee a tranquil stay in the country and putting an end to the shadow cast by the threat of deportation or repatriation. The first and foremost benefit enjoyed by those who become citizens is the right to vote and partake in the country's democratic political processes. Secondly, citizens can be drafted into the armed forces and called upon to fulfill their obligation to serve their homeland in war," suggested Figueredo. Amidst a boom in free citizenship classes being offered almost everywhere, it's appropriate to ask the following question: Who qualifies to apply for citizenship? "Those persons who are older than 18 years of age and who have been permanent residents of the country for more than five years can apply for citizenship. Those persons who are married to U.S. citizens and have been residing in the country for more than three years are also eligible. Many of those people who decide to go to their native countries and return have to prove that they were physically present in the United States for at least four years," explained Figueredo.

Upon obtaining citizenship, people begin a new life. They receive diplomatic representation in every country of the world, they are protected by the government in each country to which they might travel and they are entitled to receive all types of government benefits. But it's also possible to lose the privilege of citizenship. There are exceptional cases in which a person can be stripped of his or her citizenship if they commit or participate in terrorist acts, or if they commit treason against their homeland.

Yes dear reader, you too can become a citizen. Motivated by the upcoming presidential elections, the government is trying to facilitate the process of attaining citizenship. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. And more importantly, immigration authorities make it is easier and faster for a citizen to sponsor a family member.