Speech #870188344

History. Principles. and Form of Government of the United States." That refers to the requirements for understanding of new citizens coming to the United States from Canada. from England. or from any of the nations from which people are now admitted to citizenship. The section reads: No person except as otherwise provided in this subchapter shall hereafter be naturalized as a citizen of the United States upon his own petition who cannot demonstrate(1) an understanding of the English language. including an ability to read. write. and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language: Provided. That this requirement shall not apply to any person physically unable to comply therewith. if otherwise qualified to be naturalized. or to any person who. on the effective date of this chapter. is over fifty years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years: Provided further. That the requirements of this section relating to ability to read and write shall be met If the applicant can read or write simple words and phrases to the end that a reasonable test of his literacy shall be made and that no extraordinary or unreasonable condition shall be imposed upon the applicant. and (2) a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history. and of the principles and form of government. of the United States. With this in mind. I questioned the Immigration and Naturalization Service as to how candidates for naturalization satisfy the requirement in the Federal statute which I have quoted. I was advised that the necessary tests are given by examiners of the Immigration and Naturalization Service who question applicants and arrive at a subjective conclusion as to whether each applicant displays the proficiency in the English language and the knowledge and understanding of American history and principles of government required by this section. Then. if the examiners judgment is favorable. the applicant may still be examined further by the judge if he decides to make an independent determination instead of accepting the finding of the examiner. In this event. the judge makes his own subjective determination.