How can a green card holder become a U.S citizen without taking the English proficiency/U.S. history exam.?

Question

My mother is 70 years old and cannot read/write in english. She is a green card holder for 15 years and wants to become a U.S. citizen. The citizenship exam has been holding her back from applying. Is there a workaround without having a medical examiner declare her incappable of learning new things.

Answer 1

It is a privilege to be a United States citizen and the official language of a US citizen is English. If your mother truly wanted to become a citizen she has had the last 15 years to learn English and unless she is incompetent she should would have learned the language if she wanted to. I understand this is your mother and I would be upset if someone talked down about my mother but you are wanting to bend the rules for yet another immigrant. I think even to live here you should know English because I'm tired of going somewhere and everything is written in 3 or 4 languages, it's ridiculous. Invest some time and money into her so she can learn the language, you obviously speak the language so you and everyone else have just been enabling her not to learn the language by continually translating everything for her. When I learned Spanish, why you may ask because I was going to Mexico and they shouldn't have to speak English for me (what a concept learn the language of the country you are going to and not expect people of that county to cater you) back on track in my Spanish class a single English word could not be uttered it was full submersion. Quit speaking the native language to her and force her to learn English if becoming a citizen is what she wants to do she'll learn.

Answer 2

That is our law. I know that it is hard to learn a new language when you are older, however, maybe you should consider signing your mother up for english classes. On channel 13 they have some good programs that teaches you how to read. Maybe she can start there or just purchase some cd's that teaches english.

Answer 3

You can rather get married and/or if you live in the U.S. for more then 5+ years I think is it... You can automatically be considered an United States Citizen

Answer 4

I think I read somewhere that if you're over a certain age, the authorities will look at other options ... you will get all the information from INS, but don't worry .... ole mom will be OK ... I'm sure they can give her an exemption ... but DO talk to the INS, they're really not as bad as all that, and can be very helpful ....

Answer 5

15 years in U.S. and she can not even read or speak English..not even enough to pass a simple proficiency test??

What the hell has she been doing? Unless she is retarded and has a Dr. report saying so she does not deserve U.S. citizenship.

Answer 6

I think the requirements are still that you be able to read and write english.Call your local INS office and ask someone with more experience.I know my sister-in-law had to take a test in english and answer questions in english when she got her citizenship,3mos.ago.

Answer 7

After living as a resident alien ( green card holder) for 20yrs. you can take the citizenship exam in your native language.

Answer 8

There are some exceptions to the rules of naturalization. Look here, http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm, for a comprehensive list of the requirements and exceptions. Individual CIS officers have been known to make certain exceptions in certain cases, as well.

And kudos to your mother!!

Answer 9

learn english

Answer 10

Get your mom to marry a gringo... preferebly a realy rich one.