Posted on 11/04/2001 12:22:29 PM PST by Jean S
The deadly attack on America has united all Americans, native-born and immigrant, in defense of our country. We have rediscovered our patriotism and reflected upon some forgotten truths. With distance from the tragic events lengthening, we now ask ourselves what we can do to rebuild our frayed sense of cohesion and common destiny.
We must start by defining ourselves as Americans, members of a family with strong, emotional ties to one another. These are not based on bloodlines - they rest on an appreciation of our unique history, a belief in the freedom and dignity of the individual and a commitment to civic responsibility.
Others can join our family, but they first must convince us that they have learned our history and values and will respect them. American citizens are inside this special family circle, and all others are outside it. There is a difference between citizens and non-citizens, which we have disregarded to our increasing peril.
As an immigrant who joined this American family nearly five decades ago, I have watched uneasily as every naturalization requirement was relaxed, eroding the significance of citizenship in the process.
It is now merely a matter of filing papers and waiting to appear before the Immigration and Naturalization Service for a pro
forma interview and swearing-in. Naturalization demands little thought or study, virtually no emotional investment and too often is perceived only as permission to sponsor relatives for immigration and to vote one's interests on election day.
To help revitalize the meaning of U.S. citizenship, I suggest the following:
Reinstate character witnesses. I was required to bring two character witnesses to my INS interview; they were U.S. citizens who had known me for five years. It was difficult to find such people, not due to my defective character, but because appearing at the interview meant taking time from work. Two Americans willing to give up time and face a government official constitute a solid endorsement of the would-be American's quality. This requirement was abandoned years ago. It should be reinstated to screen out people whose behavior has been detrimental to American society.
Conduct rigorous background checks. Candidates for citizenship should undergo thorough background checks. A criminal record should disqualify an applicant. Since citizens can't be deported, naturalizing criminals is unforgivable. Unfortunately, given the exploding numbers of immigrants seeking citizenship, background checks have been superficial. At times, they have been abandoned entirely under pressure from politicians seeking immigrant votes.
Require proficiency in American history and a basic command of English. We have practically given up requiring that an applicant demonstrate knowledge of our history and political institutions and have a basic command of English. People who have lived here without learning English can now take a simple test in their native tongue, often administered by a government contractor committed to passing everyone. Once accepted, such ill-prepared citizens generate demands for ballots and other government services in their own languages.
Misguided practices have diminished our sense of nationhood, so much so that on Sept. 11, we surprised ourselves when we realized how deeply we still loved our country. Henceforth, we must insist on English as the language of our government, including its voting procedures. And every youngster should be schooled in the language history has given us.
In this era of dual citizenship, we cast a blind eye on naturalized Americans who cling to their original citizenship and vote in elections abroad. There is much talk about toning down or even eliminating the loyalty oath that every naturalized citizen traditionally takes.
If we are serious about cultivating attitudes that will keep us united beyond the initial response to terrorism, we must reject the notion of transnationality. Dual citizenship is unacceptable; one is either an American, or one is a foreigner. The loyalty oath to the United States must be retained, with its antiquated language updated for easier comprehension, but its sentiments should be undiluted.
The recitation of the loyalty oath in a foreign tongue must stop, for it signals to the newest members of the American family that its charter members are indifferent to English. Not so! We care profoundly, for English is the bridge we all have to cross to come together in the public square.
Reforming our naturalization laws is essential if we are to reduce the mutual distrust and estrangement that have been allowed to build among members of the great American family. Reform is a highly symbolic but practical way to reduce the threat of terrorists in our midst.
Gerda Bikales is a board member of ProEnglish, an organization that promotes the use of English in the United States.
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