Some things don’t change, others do.  The debate rages over immigration reform.  Speaker of the House John Boehner expressed doubt today that immigration reform will happen in 2014.  This has been going back and forth for years…

Something new: a new form for application to naturalize to US citizenship.  USCIS announced on February 4^th the introduction of a new N-400 form.  The current form will be valid for 90 days, but after May 5^th the new version of the N-400 application must be used to apply for US citizenship.  The new form is longer (21 pages) , but has clearer instructions.  It asks more questions about the applicant’s family, about good moral character, about security related topics.  The form may be filed electronically , but the filing must be followed by the completed paper form with the required supporting documents and fee.   The form is new but the substantive requirements for naturalization eligibility remain the same.  The basic requirements are that the applicant must be 18 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident for 5 years.  If the permanent resident is married to a US citizen for 3 years and continues to live with that spouse in “marital union”, then the eligibility period is 3 years.  Half of the time, whether 5  or 3 years,  the applicant must have been physically in the US.  The applicant must be a person of good moral character, must be able to read write and speak basic English, must pass the Naturalization Exam and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.  There are other requirements, exceptions , waivers and subtleties —and a fee in the amount of $680.  USCIS has extensive materials about naturalization on line at www.uscis.gov/n-400.

Hopefully,  despite its length, the new N-400 Naturalization form will make the process more inviting so that more people can pursue naturalization, then vote and then, with enough new voters, maybe we will have immigration reform.