Spring Break
New citizenship test attempts to allow
immigrants seeking naturalization a fair chance
Selma Skokic
Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: News
Iris Jerke, a lecturer in the history department, gives her students the test for U.S. citizenship every semester to see if they would pass.
Most don't, she said.
"All of my incoming freshmen fail this test," she said.
The citizenship test is given to immigrants who want to become a naturalized U.S. citizen and includes questions about U.S. history, civics and ethics.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site, a newly redesigned test has been administered to applicants for U.S. citizenship starting Oct. 1. The intention is to create a more standardized and fair test.
"I know they recently changed the citizenship test," said Laura Herrera, a senior psychology major.
The redesigned test includes more questions about politics and culture, Herrera said.
"The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans," the Web site stated.
Prior to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, one must demonstrate the ability to write and speak English, knowledge of U.S. history and government, attachment to principles of the Constitution, good moral character and favorable disposition to the U.S., the Web site stated.
Chantelle Feasel, a sophomore behavioral sciences major, said she doesn't think it was fair to change the old test because people have become accustomed to the old one.
She added that people who were born in this country do not know answers to some of these questions.
Jerke explained that most of her students have gone to elementary, middle school and high school in the U.S. and they fail to pass the test.
"One of the questions that is on the citizenship test that I asked my students is what Independence Day stands for," Jerke said.
"Barbecue and fireworks," was one response from a student, she said.
Most don't, she said.
"All of my incoming freshmen fail this test," she said.
The citizenship test is given to immigrants who want to become a naturalized U.S. citizen and includes questions about U.S. history, civics and ethics.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site, a newly redesigned test has been administered to applicants for U.S. citizenship starting Oct. 1. The intention is to create a more standardized and fair test.
"I know they recently changed the citizenship test," said Laura Herrera, a senior psychology major.
The redesigned test includes more questions about politics and culture, Herrera said.
"The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans," the Web site stated.
Prior to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, one must demonstrate the ability to write and speak English, knowledge of U.S. history and government, attachment to principles of the Constitution, good moral character and favorable disposition to the U.S., the Web site stated.
Chantelle Feasel, a sophomore behavioral sciences major, said she doesn't think it was fair to change the old test because people have become accustomed to the old one.
She added that people who were born in this country do not know answers to some of these questions.
Jerke explained that most of her students have gone to elementary, middle school and high school in the U.S. and they fail to pass the test.
"One of the questions that is on the citizenship test that I asked my students is what Independence Day stands for," Jerke said.
"Barbecue and fireworks," was one response from a student, she said.
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