Becoming a citizen is a somewhat complex process. Immigrants have to meet certain standards. They need to stay in the country for long enough to qualify and limit their travel abroad. They have to submit the right paperwork and pay a fee. They are subject to background screening and may have to provide biometric information.
An immigrant seeking to naturalize typically also has to attend an interview conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At that interview, they must talk about their naturalization application. They also have to pass two tests. The USCIS requires that people pass tests in English and Civics to become United States citizens. The testing process can prevent some people from becoming citizens unless they seek support.
What accommodations are available for those who worry about their ability to pass the test?
There are exemptions available
The English language can be very difficult to learn. Some people pursuing citizenship can naturalize without establishing English proficiency if they qualify for testing exemptions. Immigrants who are 50 years old or older and who have been in the country for at least 20 years can be exempt from the English test.
They can also take the Civics test in the language of their choice. There is a similar rule that applies to immigrants who are at least 55 years old and who have been in the country for at least 15 years.
There are accommodations available as well
Testing can be more challenging for some people than for others. A variety of medical conditions ranging from physical disabilities to mental health challenges can affect an individual’s ability to perform well on testing.
The USCIS can provide an assortment of different accommodations to those with medical documentation of firming the need for support during testing. In more extreme cases, there may even be exemptions available for those with truly disabling medical conditions. Some people can naturalize without taking tests. Others can request special support throughout the testing process.
Discussing the possible barriers to securing naturalized citizenship with a skilled legal team can help immigrants prepare for the process. Those who want to become citizens may need help understanding their options and getting support during the naturalization process, and that’s okay.