OPINION:
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) has revamped the required citizenship test for immigrants seeking naturalization. Candidates for naturalization will now have to study a little harder to prove their knowledge of America - and that is a good thing. America must not lower its standards.
The media questions how the test can be used when most natural-born Americans are no smarter, than, well, fifth-graders. Meanwhile, some immigrant activist groups have the audacity to complain that the test is still given in English and that the concepts have become harder. Yet, that is the point.
Passing the test is the crucial threshold. Good moral character, a favorable disposition to America, better knowledge of the U.S. government, and the ability to read, write and speak English are all signs that an immigrant is willing to become an American. How can someone be expected to meet those requirements without a test? If an immigrant really wants to be a U.S. citizen, he will find a way to learn English and study for the test. Motivation is a great teacher.
The test is not difficult to pass. The questions are simply written and the answers are clearly worded. One hundred questions are pooled together for the 10 questions that make up the new test, which took effect Oct. 1. But at least one concession has been made for those who still have concerns about the new test: Test takers can still take the old test until Oct. 1, 2009, if they applied for naturalization by Sept. 30, 2008.
When applying for the new test, CIS also provides a list of the 100 questions with the answers written out in the most acceptable, user-friendly format imaginable, so test-takers essentially have a “cheat” sheet. The exam simply becomes a matter of memorization.
Some of the new questions include: “What does the Constitution do?”; “Name one branch or part of the government?”; “Who is in charge of the executive branch?”; “What are the two parts of Congress?” Again, the answers are provided in advance, along with the questions, for study. Six out of the 10 questions must be answered correctly in order to pass. It’s a no-brainer.
Another way to think about the test is that naturalization candidates develop many of the characteristics needed to adapt in American society by being forced to study. A little exercising of the noggin goes a long way.
Citizenship in America is a privilege, not a right. If immigrants want to become Americans, they need to know America.
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