More Changes In The Immigration System
People once again rushed to file citizenship papers this summer, this time to get into the system before the new "citizenship test" takes effect, according to this article in today's Los Angeles Times. The old test drew from 96 questions, all of which required answers that could be memorized, such as "Who said, 'give me liberty or give death?'" The new test is a bit more "open-ended," and applicants are very wary, even scared that they will be unable to pass the test.
The Naturalization Service, however, maintains that the applicants shouldn't worry, no, not at all.
The exam is not harder, only more meaningful, said Alfonso Aguilar, chief of the Office of Citizenship at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, citing scores on a pilot program that showed 92% of applicants passed the new test on the first try compared with 84% under the old one.
Those who don't pass the first time get a second chance.
"Instead of asking what are the colors of the flag, now we're asking why does the flag have 50 stars or 13 stripes" he said. "It's more concept-oriented rather than just memorizing random facts. If people study, they should pass. From our perspective, we wouldn't gain anything by having a harder exam."
Immigrant rights groups aren't as sure as Mr. Aguilar.
... the new exam has its potential flaws too, including questions and answers that are open to interpretation. ...
Applicants will be given 10 of the 100 questions and must answer six correctly to pass. They are also required to read and write basic English sentences that focus on civics and undergo an interview to complete the process, which ends in a naturalization ceremony. [Emphasis added]
It sounds like the immigrants might have good cause to worry, especially given the subjective or ambiguous casting of the questions. The English-only requirement looks to be a problem as well, especially in a country where bilingualism is rare among those who have been here a generation or two.
But, hey! We're an exceptional nation. We only want exceptional citizens, and this is one way to get them, right?
Perhaps they could administer that test to American citizens over the age of, say, 40. I'd really be interested in those results.
The Naturalization Service, however, maintains that the applicants shouldn't worry, no, not at all.
The exam is not harder, only more meaningful, said Alfonso Aguilar, chief of the Office of Citizenship at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, citing scores on a pilot program that showed 92% of applicants passed the new test on the first try compared with 84% under the old one.
Those who don't pass the first time get a second chance.
"Instead of asking what are the colors of the flag, now we're asking why does the flag have 50 stars or 13 stripes" he said. "It's more concept-oriented rather than just memorizing random facts. If people study, they should pass. From our perspective, we wouldn't gain anything by having a harder exam."
Immigrant rights groups aren't as sure as Mr. Aguilar.
... the new exam has its potential flaws too, including questions and answers that are open to interpretation. ...
Applicants will be given 10 of the 100 questions and must answer six correctly to pass. They are also required to read and write basic English sentences that focus on civics and undergo an interview to complete the process, which ends in a naturalization ceremony. [Emphasis added]
It sounds like the immigrants might have good cause to worry, especially given the subjective or ambiguous casting of the questions. The English-only requirement looks to be a problem as well, especially in a country where bilingualism is rare among those who have been here a generation or two.
But, hey! We're an exceptional nation. We only want exceptional citizens, and this is one way to get them, right?
Perhaps they could administer that test to American citizens over the age of, say, 40. I'd really be interested in those results.
Labels: Citizenship, Immigration
posted by Diane at 12:30 PM
2 Comments:
I don't think that questions are open ended. In fact, in the old days, the list of 100 questions was only the "recommended" list and you could be asked anything. The revision is really an attempt to standardize the test process and experience. Applicants are provided with the list of 100 questions and list of acceptable answers.
The one thing that could be harder is that there are multiple options, but you don't need to know them all for the test.
Bryan
http://www.citizenshipu.com/quiz
I would like to see VP candidate Sarah Palin pass this citizenship test!
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