Reflections Week V

Reflecting on Friday’s discussion about the Immigration test and its relevance to the identity and beliefs of our country, I feel that the test’s existence is fundamentally important for the nationalism of the US. Immigrants that wish to reap the benefits of US residency and eventual citizenship, and who also contribute to its culture, economic welfare, and affluency should be required to study the fundamentals of our country, its history, demographics, and political system, and general facts that pertain to the development of American values. The test sets a tangible standard that gives the hopeful a “certificate of passage,” a remoriam of eligibility and accomplishment that, not only one should appreciate, but also serves as a stepping stone for acceptance into society as a full-fledged resident and/or citizen.
With the creation of any “standard” to which to essentially both define a country and evaluate those who wish to be citizens queries are raised regarding its content and the purpose of the questions asked in the test. As many classmates brought up on Friday, there are obvious, practical reasons for the test to be in English. After all, language is communication in its most basic form, and it would limit and hinder those who do not master it, causing them to become largely unaware of their surroundings, and therefore, unable to fully function, contribute, and benefit. Moreover, communication via a common language creates a unity throughout the country, while still allowing citizens to celebrate their individual cultures. Immigrants to the US should be allowed to live according to their beliefs, as is valued by the freedom afforded us in the American constitution, yet they must also have respect for the history and value system the US society holds and become a well-functioning part of it. Therefore, at least a grasp of the English language is a justified requirement and one should be tested to evaluate one's knowledge and ability to live effectively in the country. A diverse and colorful identity does represent our country while the pursuit and protection of freedom unites the people. Therefore, a test that focuses on the rights of American citizens and its historical facts that form the foundation to its values would be appropriate and beneficial to new immigrants. Citizens might not agree on all controversial issues that touch upon personal values, such as abortion and homosexual marriage, but they are still united in the same freedom to believe as they wish. We are a “ratatouille" that mixes and "weds" many vegetables and spices, and is never quite the same every time it's made, but it's gastronomically unique and ever so flavorful.