In the heart of downtown Washington D.C., amidst the bustling presence of tourists and students visiting national landmarks, a significant number of individuals from diverse corners of the globe converge weekly for comprehensive civics classes. Hosted by the Washington English Center, nestled near iconic institutions like the National Archives and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, these classes serve as a vital resource for hundreds of aspiring citizens navigating the intricacies of the naturalization process.
With over 100 different nationalities represented, the lower levels of an office building are transformed into a vibrant hub of learning, adorned with phonics posters and flags from various countries. Here, students undergo rigorous instruction in English proficiency and civic knowledge, essential for successfully completing the citizenship test.
Despite an estimated 9 million immigrants in the United States being eligible for citizenship, a staggering 91 percent opt not to pursue naturalization, as revealed by a survey conducted by One Percent for America, a nonprofit loan service. Financial constraints emerge as a significant barrier, with 14 percent of applicants citing the application fee as the primary obstacle. Alarmingly, 67 percent resort to high-interest loans to cover the costs.
The current application fee stands at $725 per person, a sum required upfront before undertaking the citizenship test and submitting immigration documents, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Effective April 1, 2024, this fee will increase to $760 for paper filings, although online applications or exceptions based on low income offer alternatives for reducing costs. This adjustment marks the first notable increase in seven years and forms part of a routine review process.
Beyond financial burdens, the citizenship test itself presents a formidable challenge, demanding proficiency in English and comprehensive knowledge of civics for the reading, writing, and speaking sections. While Citizenship and Immigration Services report an 88 percent first-time pass rate, the Institute for Citizens and Scholars’ 2018 survey suggests that only 36 percent of native-born Americans would pass the civics test.
Individual stories underscore the significance of accessible resources in the naturalization journey. Eduardo Corrêa, alongside his wife—a U.S. citizen originally from Brazil—found solace in affordable citizenship courses offered by the Washington English Center. Motivated by career aspirations and personal goals, immigrants like Corrêa and Adrian Popescu, who arrived in the U.S. propelled by love, seek to navigate the complex path toward citizenship.
Volunteer-driven initiatives play a crucial role in supporting immigrant communities. At the Washington English Center, approximately 700 students engage in citizenship classes facilitated by dedicated volunteers, including retirees and former government officials. These classes not only aid in test preparation but also foster deeper understanding of American history and traditions.
The demographic landscape reflects the growing presence of immigrants within urban centers like Washington D.C., with immigrant populations comprising 15 percent of the city’s residents in 2022—an increase of 36 percent since 2000, as per the Migration Policy Institute.
Organizations like One Percent for America and the Washington English Center collaborate to alleviate financial barriers and provide essential support services. Such efforts align with broader initiatives, such as those led by the Houston Endowment, which seeks to promote civic engagement and facilitate naturalization processes within immigrant communities.
While political discourse often centers on issues of immigration enforcement, the rising rates of naturalization underscore immigrants’ enduring commitment to becoming integral members of American society. Despite challenges posed by fees and test requirements, individuals like Corrêa celebrate milestones on their journey toward citizenship, symbolizing the resilience and determination inherent in the immigrant experience.
