The Uphill Climb to American Citizenship
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TL;DR
- A naturalization ceremony at Monticello saw 75 immigrants from 36 countries take their oath of allegiance.
- The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is increasingly complex, expensive, and prone to failure.
- Efforts are underway at historic presidential sites, including Monticello and Mount Vernon, to celebrate immigrants and their journey to citizenship.
- Policy changes, rising fees, and stricter vetting under the current administration are hindering legal immigration pathways.
- Data indicates a significant drop in completed naturalization applications and an increase in denials.
- The article contrasts current restrictive policies with historical perspectives on immigration from figures like Thomas Jefferson.
- Despite obstacles, many foreign-born residents still qualify for citizenship, and public support for immigration remains relatively high.