Thread: New languages for NYC voter registration could expand access for immigrants

Originally Posted by Newmexican

It is illegal for non citizens (FULL CITIZENSHIP) to vote in Federal elections.

The requirement for citizenship is still the ability to read and write in ENGLISH. It is part of the citizenship test that must be passed before citizenship is earned.

"Citizens who might benefit from the language changes often grow up in the U.S. speaking English as a second language or are more comfortable filling out government forms in their native languages, MOIA said. Others are able to bypass an English test required for citizenship because of their age or the amount of time they have already spent in the country".

Exceptions & Accommodations | USCIS

https://www.uscis.gov/...citizenship...

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

Jun 1, 2015 - You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are: Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).

• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Exceptions & Accommodations


There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

For more information visit our A Guide to Naturalization page and the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

English Language Exemptions

You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take

The Civics Test If You Are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
  OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics

You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment.

To request this exception, submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This form must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Continuous Residence Exceptions

If you are engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment you may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement. For more information visit our Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements for Naturalization page and the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.
.
Disability Accommodations

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we provide accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process.

Applicants are encouraged to list their needs in the space provided on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Oath of Allegiance

After applying for naturalization and in order to be naturalized, you must take an oath of allegiance in a public ceremony. The law allows for certain modifications to the Oath of Allegiance. For more information please see section 337 of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) and 8 CFR 337.1(b) . Also see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/01/2015

https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship...accommodations

When there is a 20-30 somethings that cannot speak English they did not grow up here and it is doubtful that they are citizens.

I doubt seriously that we have millions of non English speaking seniors that are flooding the borders.

Voter Registration

State

• New York

VOTER REGISTRATION

Registration Deadline: For the full calendar of deadlines click here.

Party Affiliation: Political party enrollment is optional but in order to vote in a primary election of a political party, a voter must enroll in that political party, unless state party rules allow otherwise.


VOTER REGISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS

Age: Must be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file this form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote)

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen

Residency: Must live at your present address at least 30 days before an election and not claim the right to vote elsewhere

Mental Competency: Must not be declared mentally incompetent by a court

Felony Convictions: Must not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction

ID Requirements:
-DMV Number(driver's license number or non-driver ID number);
-Last four digits of your social security number; or
-Copy of a valid photo ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or some other government document that shows your name or address.
If your identity is not verified before Election Day, you will be asked for ID when you vote for the first time.

https://votesmart.org/elections/vote...Y#.V_rlB_krLIU