What It Takes to Become an American Citizen

By Ethan Joseph and Athena Joseph on Feb 27

New York City has always been welcoming to immigrants. According to the website of the National Parks Service, Ellis Island opened up as an immigration station on January 1, 1892. That is how a lot of people are in New York today. NYC may be welcoming to immigrants, but many other places and people aren’t as welcoming. According to USA.gov, becoming an American citizen it is very hard. For example, it explains that you have to have a green card for at least 5 years or for at least 3 if you are filing as a spouse of a U.S. citizen. You also must be interviewed and take a test that according to NBCnews.com, only a little over one third of current American citizens can actually pass. This proves extremely difficult for immigrants to become citizens and have better lives, when in reality, they are all people and all they want are happy, comfortable lives. Because immigration has become so topical recently, it will be interesting to see certain candidates’ views on immigration in the coming months of the presidential election.