The Complexity of Obtaining American Citizenship and Its Justifications
The Complexity of Obtaining American Citizenship and Its Justifications
Obtaining American citizenship is a complex and often arduous process. This is due to a series of bureaucratic laws that have been passed over the years, which make the journey to becoming an American citizen anything but straightforward. Despite the challenges, citizenship is seen as a valuable status, and those who pursue it should be prepared to prove their worth. Obtaining citizenship should not be an automatic right for everyone, due to the potential for overwhelming the capacity of the nation.
There are generally only a few ways to become a U.S. citizen. Birth in the United States, birth to at least one U.S. citizen parent, or the naturalization process are the main avenues. However, the naturalization process, while not necessarily the most difficult, is a significant hurdle to clear.
While the naturalization process itself might seem manageable, the road to securing a green card (permanent residency) is the true test. Depending on your country of origin and how you qualify, obtaining a green card can take twenty years or more. The complexity of the process and its duration raise the question: why is it so hard?
The Reasons for the Complexity
The complexity stems from the fear that if the process were made too easy, a massive influx of individuals would flood the country, leading to a negative impact on the quality of life. If half the population of the earth were to become citizens, it would create an unsustainable situation, similar to what happens when pests destroy an environment. The U.S. would quickly face similar challenges as those they are trying to escape.
The Green Card Dilemma
The green card, a critical step before naturalization, is the most challenging part of the process. To apply for citizenship, one must first be a green card holder for at least five years. This additional requirement only adds to the complexity and lengthy duration of the journey to obtaining citizenship. The real difficulty lies in obtaining the green card, not in the naturalization process itself.
Further Complexity: The Vetting Process
The vetting process for obtaining a green card or U.S. citizenship is rigorous, comparable to the stringent standards for obtaining a federal security clearance. The success of this process relies heavily on the applicants' age, the background of their family members, and a history of legal and honest behavior. Applicants who have resisted political causes that the U.S. government views with suspicion have better chances of being accepted.
The Value of Citizenship
Even though the process is rigorous, it is less arduous than it could be. The value of citizenship is high, as it should be. To achieve citizenship, applicants must demonstrate a significant investment in the country, such as the pursuit of higher education, fluency in English, and a productive future that will benefit the nation.
Unfortunately, the current policies have led to the influx of less qualified immigrants, both legal and illegal, which can undermine the very purpose of immigration. The current model should balance the number of immigrants with the needs of the country to improve the standard of living for existing citizens. Similarly, businesses understand the importance of strategic investment, whether through income from normal operations, loans, or stock dilution. Politicians must be mindful of the consequences of over-immigration, just as business managers are aware of the risks of irrational share dilution.
Conclusion
Obtaining American citizenship is a multifaceted journey that requires careful planning, significant resources, and a commitment to the prosperity of the nation. While the process is complex and time-consuming, it is necessary to preserve the benefits that come with a stable and well-functioning society.