have to know more about the United States than most people born and raised here? There are questions on the citizenship test that I don't ever remember learning about in school. And where do they come up with these questions? Is it really important to know "who" wrote our national anthem? Does this test make U.S. born citizens look really stupid, or what?
2007-10-07 16:57:25 · 11 answers · asked by apsuz73 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Beginning October 2008, the USCIS is implementing a new citizenship test. Besides the usual civics and government questions, which are necessary to establish a person's knowledge of fundamentals upon which the American government is based, there will also be questions such as "What is the tallest mountain in the United States?" and "Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States". I am an applicant for naturalization, and I had no clue (as, I'm sure, neither do most people) as to what the tallest mountain in the U.S. is (it's Mt. McKinley, by the way). Whose bright idea was it to include geography on this exam?
2007-10-08 08:14:24 · answer #1 · answered by Starsky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never had to take the test myself, but those entering the country wanting citizenship most likely are studying the questions. I don't think it makes us look stupid. Well maybe some. We take for granted of whats been here our whole time in our country. Maybe, thats why. For someone coming to the US and becoming a citizen, they are researching it deeper because they have one goal, to become a US citizen. I think it would be compared to us, when we were going for our drivers license. We studied like mad. It was something that was important to us. I think this constitutes a good example.
2007-10-07 17:05:30 · answer #2 · answered by hbuckmeister 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, as foolish as it may seem, US citizens are expected to have a fundamental knowledge of our government and history. That way, a knowledgeable citizen can be an asset to the country and not a liability.
Instead of (seemingly) be outraged by the nature of the test, aren't you just a little embarrassed that you don't know that stuff?
Don't you think being well-informed about your country may help you in those silly little things you need to do, like vote?
(It was Francis Scott Key that wrote "The Star Spangled Banner"...the national anthem).
2007-10-07 17:07:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can not believe that you do not know who wrote the national anthem as that miss American contestant could not answer why so many America students could not pick out United States from a world map.!!
2007-10-07 17:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I do not think they know more than most people born here. They just know enough to pass a test. Memorize answers that's all it takes. I thinks it is important to learn about the country that is going to be your new "land". Even if it is to know who wrote the national anthem. Why not?
2007-10-07 17:09:01 · answer #5 · answered by eslendy g 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i heard you have to know just about everything in us history. its only necessary if you want to vote and do all this american only stuff. personally i don't think ill become one im fine the way i am and i heard also that you need to give up all your other citizenships to get an american passport so thats a big minus. many people DO NOT want to become citizens most want only green cards
2007-10-07 17:03:38 · answer #6 · answered by simasu01 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO tests never prove anything. I am an american and i dont even know who wrote the national anthem...Puhh. AMerica is the land of opportunities, but then i feel like the UK is or Europe.
2007-10-07 17:00:40 · answer #7 · answered by Brian P 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Those are things born-citizen are supposed to know, even if most of them don't.They give you a big book/pan flit with what you're going to be asked.But, they usually just pick one or two of them.
2007-10-07 17:00:41 · answer #8 · answered by Marla 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife took a citizenship test; everything she had was simple for me. I guess it depends upon your learning.
2007-10-07 17:27:12 · answer #9 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a test for them to prove they are interested in our country, who we are and what we are about. If they aren't willing to put forth an effort - why should we let them in?
Americans (some of us) already prove themselves everyday by paying taxes and being a contributing member of society.
2007-10-07 17:10:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋