Paul Kusuda’s column
Naturalization denied (Part 2)
Naturalization denied (Part 2)
Part 2 of 3
by Paul H. Kusuda
March is kind of nice because it means that we’re almost through with Wisconsin’s annual
cold winter months with all the snow and ice we have to face not only in the morning but
throughout the entire day. Atsuko and I have been in Madison since Spring 1951. That’s quite a
number of years, and we’ve seen all kinds of changes. However, many important social
conditions have either changed very little or not at all. The economy certainly went downhill.
Unfortunately, March also marks the month of indefinite suspension of Asian Wisconzine’s
printed version. I look forward to the time when the suspension will be suspended and AWiz
resumes [Editor’s note: the online version will continue]. Impact of the nation’s and local
economy has been long felt by the Wiz publisher. Meeting production costs depends more on
advertisers than subscribers. Recently, many of those who place ads had to reduce their
expenditures, and one way has been to cut ads. Sigh. Oh, well.
*****************
by Paul H. Kusuda
March is kind of nice because it means that we’re almost through with Wisconsin’s annual
cold winter months with all the snow and ice we have to face not only in the morning but
throughout the entire day. Atsuko and I have been in Madison since Spring 1951. That’s quite a
number of years, and we’ve seen all kinds of changes. However, many important social
conditions have either changed very little or not at all. The economy certainly went downhill.
Unfortunately, March also marks the month of indefinite suspension of Asian Wisconzine’s
printed version. I look forward to the time when the suspension will be suspended and AWiz
resumes [Editor’s note: the online version will continue]. Impact of the nation’s and local
economy has been long felt by the Wiz publisher. Meeting production costs depends more on
advertisers than subscribers. Recently, many of those who place ads had to reduce their
expenditures, and one way has been to cut ads. Sigh. Oh, well.
*****************
Understanding of and accepting one another may have changed a little. I wonder how much minimally-visible non-
acceptance continues to be there — race, religion, sex, age, sexual preference, physical appearance, disability, etc.
Unfortunately, little positive change has occurred in the past 60 years with respect to naturalization even though the
number of immigrants has increased.
Last month, I stated my preference for relaxation of naturalization regulations for specifically-qualified legal immigrants
and undocumented aliens. I pointed out that the U.S. Congress has for its perusal and hopeful acceptance S. 729 and
HR. 1951, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act). It’s definitely a step to correct a not-so-
good situation, but more needs to be done for other groups.
Many conditions have to be met before potentially-eligible persons under 35 at the time the Act is passed can apply for
legal permanent resident status, the necessary first step to eventual U.S. citizenship. Estimates have been made that
about 65,000 undocumented alien students graduate high school annually. That number includes children of persons
who come to the U.S. through the visa process and are not eligible for the first step toward becoming legal permanent
residents. They are children who go through public schools and may want to get post-high school education, get better
jobs, earn more money, and become tax-paying members of America’s middle class. They can be part of America’s future
if allowed to stay in the U.S. and become naturalized citizens.
For those who meet eligibility requirements of the DREAM Act, many advantages are available in addition to being granted
a six-year temporary residence status prior to legal permanent residency. They can apply for student loans and work-study
programs (but not Pell grants). Also, depending on final wording of the legislation, states would be permitted to provide
the same benefits to children of immigrants as provided to out-of-state students.
Despite the positives, there are many requirements and potential problem considerations. For example, what might be
the definition of “good moral character”? How might an applied definition be contested? A student’s six-year temporary
residence status may be taken away if education or military service requirements are not met within the six years. Also, the
student must not commit any crime other than specified non-drug misdemeanors. Conviction of a major crime (not
defined) or drug-related infraction would result in loss of temporary residence status and probable deportation.
The “carrot and stick” provisions are there, but an optimistic view is that immigration laws are being re-evaluated to
enable more to enter the naturalization process. More changes have to be made to enable persons who enter the U.S.
through the visa process (and who would opt to become U.S. citizens) be naturalized. At present, it appears the only way is
through marriage to a U.S. citizen. That’s fine for single persons who are fortunate enough to fall in love and get married.
Hazards are present, of course, so other means must be made available. Congress needs to formulate an avenue such
that more aliens may become naturalized citizens. How long will it take to begin the next step toward improving
immigration laws? If we start now, the wait will be shorter.
acceptance continues to be there — race, religion, sex, age, sexual preference, physical appearance, disability, etc.
Unfortunately, little positive change has occurred in the past 60 years with respect to naturalization even though the
number of immigrants has increased.
Last month, I stated my preference for relaxation of naturalization regulations for specifically-qualified legal immigrants
and undocumented aliens. I pointed out that the U.S. Congress has for its perusal and hopeful acceptance S. 729 and
HR. 1951, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act). It’s definitely a step to correct a not-so-
good situation, but more needs to be done for other groups.
Many conditions have to be met before potentially-eligible persons under 35 at the time the Act is passed can apply for
legal permanent resident status, the necessary first step to eventual U.S. citizenship. Estimates have been made that
about 65,000 undocumented alien students graduate high school annually. That number includes children of persons
who come to the U.S. through the visa process and are not eligible for the first step toward becoming legal permanent
residents. They are children who go through public schools and may want to get post-high school education, get better
jobs, earn more money, and become tax-paying members of America’s middle class. They can be part of America’s future
if allowed to stay in the U.S. and become naturalized citizens.
For those who meet eligibility requirements of the DREAM Act, many advantages are available in addition to being granted
a six-year temporary residence status prior to legal permanent residency. They can apply for student loans and work-study
programs (but not Pell grants). Also, depending on final wording of the legislation, states would be permitted to provide
the same benefits to children of immigrants as provided to out-of-state students.
Despite the positives, there are many requirements and potential problem considerations. For example, what might be
the definition of “good moral character”? How might an applied definition be contested? A student’s six-year temporary
residence status may be taken away if education or military service requirements are not met within the six years. Also, the
student must not commit any crime other than specified non-drug misdemeanors. Conviction of a major crime (not
defined) or drug-related infraction would result in loss of temporary residence status and probable deportation.
The “carrot and stick” provisions are there, but an optimistic view is that immigration laws are being re-evaluated to
enable more to enter the naturalization process. More changes have to be made to enable persons who enter the U.S.
through the visa process (and who would opt to become U.S. citizens) be naturalized. At present, it appears the only way is
through marriage to a U.S. citizen. That’s fine for single persons who are fortunate enough to fall in love and get married.
Hazards are present, of course, so other means must be made available. Congress needs to formulate an avenue such
that more aliens may become naturalized citizens. How long will it take to begin the next step toward improving
immigration laws? If we start now, the wait will be shorter.