Highlighting the Value of Citizenship in a Reality Show Format

The proposed reality TV show titled “The American,” which features immigrants competing to achieve naturalized U.S. citizenship at the Capitol, faces uncertainty regarding its viability. Despite this, critics have been quick to cast it in a negative light.

The New York Times described the initiative as a spectacle designed under the direction of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The department’s recent approach, which hinges on publicity and reality TV, often emphasizes President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies.

Critics liken the show to a version of the Hunger Games for citizenship, suggesting that it trivializes a serious topic. However, detractors overlook a crucial aspect: the show aims to center the conversation around citizenship as a meaningful goal.

Reframing Citizenship as a Goal

In recent discussions surrounding immigration, the focus has largely been on undocumented individuals. Yet, citizenship remains accessible for those who adhere to the rules and strive to integrate into society. This opportunity deserves recognition, reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when America welcomed waves of immigrants.

The narrative should not imply amnesty for undocumented individuals. According to data from the Pew Research Center, around 13.5 million legal immigrants are eligible for citizenship but the United States has averaged merely 730,000 naturalizations annually.

Citizenship and Its Implications

A nationwide push for naturalization would benefit both new citizens and the country itself. To obtain citizenship, individuals must pledge to support and defend the Constitution and its laws. They must also pass a written test comprising questions about civic knowledge, a requirement offered solely in English.

The numbers indicate a pressing need for a citizenship drive, particularly when considering how it could enhance the fairness of elections. Congressional districts are based on the total population, not solely the number of eligible voters. Hence, this discrepancy can skew representation across party lines.

Shifting Demographics in Electoral Districts

In New York’s 14th District, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, approximately 46% of residents are foreign-born, translating to only 192,000 votes cast in the last election cycle. In contrast, Republican Jim Jordan’s 4th District in Ohio saw 399,000 votes, with 96% of voters being native-born. This highlights a significant disparity where noncitizens possess no vote or voice in government decisions.

Research from the Center for Immigration Studies reveals that in 16 districts with substantial noncitizen populations, only one is represented by a Republican. Many of these regions usually require fewer votes to secure victory, thus providing an advantage to Democrats.

Given recent trends, it remains challenging to predict how newly naturalized immigrants would vote. However, the potential electoral impact reinforces the necessity for ongoing discussions about citizenship.

Barriers to Naturalization

While citizenship is celebrated, several barriers hinder the path to it. Each applicant must pay a fee of $710 per family member for the citizenship test. Furthermore, applicants must prepare for an examination containing 100 civics questions and demonstrate English proficiency.

Organizations offer English as a Second Language classes to aid prospective citizens. However, in many communities, these courses have long waiting lists or are scheduled inconveniently for those working night shifts. For example, in Chicago, public libraries conduct citizenship classes in English, but access to ESL instruction can prove difficult.

A Path Forward: Inspiring a National Movement

Despite these hurdles, a renewed national effort toward citizenship could emerge. A century ago, America experienced a successful wave of immigration when the percentage of foreign-born residents mirrored today’s figures close to 15.6%. This significant movement towards assimilation was not coincidental; civil society played an important role in integrating newcomers.

The settlement house movement, pioneered by Jane Addams and her Hull House, focused on immersing volunteers within immigrant communities. These volunteers offered classes and resources that educated immigrants about American society. They aimed to prepare individuals for citizenship through practical knowledge.

In her memoir titled “Twenty Years at Hull House,” Addams highlighted the importance of teaching the principles of American government to newcomers. Her mission aimed to clarify the constitutional framework essential for functioning within a self-governing community.

Across the country, more than 400 such settlement houses functioned, supported by local philanthropists. They collectively fostered an environment conducive to promoting citizenship.

Current Efforts to Promote Citizenship

Today, some organizations strive to continue the legacy of these settlement houses. For instance, in Reno, Nevada, the Northern Nevada Literacy Council pairs volunteers with immigrants to provide tutoring in their homes during the day, accommodating those working night schedules. Similar efforts in Port Chester, New York, focus on helping Central American immigrants with their citizenship test preparations.

The potential advantages of launching a nationwide citizenship initiative resonate well, as noted by Lillian Wald, founder of the Henry Street Settlement in New York. She believed new immigrants bring a vital enthusiasm for American institutions, and the process of citizenship could symbolize a significant rite of passage.

Celebrating the Quest for Citizenship

In summary, reframing the discussion around citizenship is an essential undertaking. Instead of dismissing a reality show that intends to spotlight this topic, we should embrace it. Renewed attention to citizenship can inspire a stronger commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.