"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American..."
"There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
-- I saw this today. I guess 1907 was not so long ago...
Here are the requirements for becomming a naturalized citizen, from:
ReplyDeletehttp://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/
Welcome to the naturalization home page. Naturalization is the process
by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or
national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by
Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general
requirements for administrative naturalization include:
* a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the
United States;
* residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
* an ability to read, write, and speak English;
* a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
* good moral character;
* attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
* favorable disposition toward the United States.
I would hope that Braile and American Sign would qualify.
Here is the loophole to the English requirement:
http://www.us-immigration-attorney.com/citizenship.htm
Language
Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and
understand words in ordinary usage in the English language. Applicants
exempt from this requirement are those who on the date of filing:
*have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful
admission for permanent residence for at least 15 years and are over
55 years of age;
*have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful
admission for permanent residence for at least 20 years and are over
50 years of age; or
*have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment,
where the impairment affects the applicant's ability to learn English.