Fraternity-Testvériség, 1961 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1961-11-01 / 11. szám
4 FRATERNITY IF I CAN'T PRODUCE MY TWO WITNESSES, CAN I STILL BECOME A CITIZEN? Question: I have been in the United States since 1947 and would like to become a citizen. I have heard, however, that a person who wants to be a citizen must have two witnesses who have known him the past five years. Since [ moved to this siate only three years ago, I will not be able to get witnesses here who knew me the two years before I moved. Will this prevent me from becoming a citizen? Answer: No. You may, if necessary, prove your residence and good moral character during the last five years by more than one set of witnesses. The law requires that an applicant for citizenship must have two citizen witnesses appear with him at his preliminary hearing. The witnesses ordinarily testify as to the applicant’s residence and good moral character during the preceding five-year period. However, where the applicant has changed his residence during the five years and is unable to produce two witnesses who can testify for the whole period, a different procedure is used. The applicant gives to the naturalization examiner the names and addresses of citizens who can testify as to his residence and character in the places he formerly lived during the five-year period. In addition, the applicant should notify these people that he has given their names as witnesses. Once this is done, the naturalization examiner himself gets in touch with the persons named and obtains their statements, or depositions as they are called, concerning the applicant’s residence and good moral character. You should remember, however, that you must also bring to your preliminary hearing two citizens who can testify as to your present residence. These and other points are more fully explained in “How to Become a Citizen of the United States”, a 128-page handbook, with sample questions and answers, published, at one dollar a copy, by the American Council for Nationalities Service, 20 West 40th Street, New York 18, N. Y. CAN MY FATHER, WHO KNOWS NO ENGLISH, BECOME A CITIZEN? Question: My father immigrated to the United States six years ago. He would like to become an American citizen, but he does not speak English and cannot read and write. He says he is too old to learn. Are there any exceptions to the requirement that applicants must read and write? Answer: There are some exceptions, but unfortunately your father is not covered by them. Only persons physically unable to comply with the requirements and persons who on December 24, 1952, were over 50 years of age and had lived in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years, may be naturalized, although they do not speak, read and write English. Even they will have to have some basic knowledge of the history and form of government of the United States. Your father should go to an adult education class and try to learn some English. Today there are greatly improved methods for teaching literacy. In cases of this type, the examinations usually take into consideration the circumstances of the applicant.
