Article by Delali Osei Boateng, DFS Disability Rights and Resources
(Posted 2022 September)
The goal of a recent executive order is to recognize the contributions of immigrants and strengthen the integration, inclusion and naturalization of new Americans. The directive aims to identify and remove the sources of fear and other barriers preventing immigrants from accessing immigration benefits and government services. The order is also part of an effort to improve the existing naturalization process so that immigration processes and other benefits are delivered effectively and efficiently and encourage immigrants’ full participation in civic life.
Lawful permanent residents aged 50 and over are encouraged to apply for naturalization. U.S. citizenship offers many benefits and responsibilities, including:
- Voting in federal elections.
- Serving on a jury.
- Accessing several federal benefits, grants and scholarships.
To help ease the path to citizenship, the order stresses the need for a notable reduction in the current processing times and making the naturalization process more accessible to all eligible individuals. To qualify as a U.S. citizen through naturalization, a lawful permanent resident for at least five years must be able to read, write and speak basic English. They must also complete a naturalization interview and a civics test.
However, special considerations, exceptions, and accommodations are available to applicants with limited English proficiency, physical or developmental disability, mental impairment, or 50 years of age or older, including:
- Applicants aged 50 and older and a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, or aged 55 or older and a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more, are exempted from the English language test.
- These applicants must take a civics test administered in a language of the applicant’s choice.
- Applicants must bring an interpreter fluent in English and the applicant’s native language to their interview.
- 65 years and older applicants who have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years or more are exempted from the English language test and will be offered a specially designated civics test.
- Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairment will be offered an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements.
- Applicants with physical and mental impairments will be offered accommodations or modifications to complete the naturalization application process.
Learn more about exceptions and accommodations at uscis.gov/citizenship/exceptions-and-accommodations. Get more information about applying for naturalization at uscis.gov/n-400.
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