Driven by the fierce congressional debate over immigration, immigrants nationwide are applying for US citizenship in record numbers or seeking to solidify their legal status in a move to protect themselves at a time of political uncertainty. Between January and April, immigrants filed 251,385 applications, an 18 percent increase from the same period last year. There is also report of a record surge in petitions to sponsor relatives for residency, also up 18 pc for the time period. Last month, the number of visits to the immigration agency’s website soared to 6.3 million, up 12 pc from May of last year. Visitors downloaded 140,000 applications forms, nearly twice as many as a year before. Green card applications downloaded also rose significantly from May 2005. WhoLegitimate immigrants who are eligible for citizenship. Lately, even with the green card, many don’t think they are going to be safe in the future.WhyMany fear that laws could toughen, preventing them from becoming naturalized or from bringing relatives into the United States; others appear to be motivated by the chance to obtain more rights and boost their political clout through voting. HowThe surge, say immigration advocates, reflects widespread ambiguity over the direction of immigration legislation being debated in Congress. Although the political tussle centers on illegal immigrants, many noncitizens residing in this country legally are concerned that they and their families, here and in their homelands, could be affected. The number of applicants had been rising steadily in recent years. The reasons include more nations permitting their citizens to hold dual nationality and US government cutbacks in social services and other benefits for noncitizens. WhenIn the past, fear has spurred surges in citizenship applications. After a 1994 California ballot initiative that was intended to cut services to undocumented immigrants, applications soared. The same happened after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as many immigrants wanted to show solidarity with their adopted homeland or wanted not to be targeted by a backlash. This time, the surge can be traced back to mid-December, when the House of Representatives passed tough legislation to tighten border security and force employers to verify their employees status, while rejecting an immigrant guest-worker plan.The 6th What NextImmigrant advocates are trying to use the fear and uncertainty to galvanise a future army of voters. By some estimates, as many as 8 million immigrants are eligible to become naturalised citizens. Last month, the Senate passed legislation that offers a path to citizenship for many longtime illegal immigrants, if they pay back taxes, learn English and have committed no serious crimes. But the bill faces stiff opposition in the House.
