A Waiting Game

Demand for citizenship rose dramatically during the 1990s. The number of applicants and the number of newly naturalized citizens both reached record heights. But as new regulations were put into place, those figures plummeted. The national trend has been mirrored in the INS Los Angeles District, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The district produces about one-fourth of the national total of new citizens.

THE MAKING OF A CITIZEN

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national attains U.S. citizenship.

Generally, those qualifying must be at least 18 years old, of “good moral character,” and must have lived in the United States as legal permanent residents for at least five years. Spouses of U.S. citizens may naturalize in three years. Children who emigrate with their parents usually derive citizenship through their parents.

Citizenship seekers are required to:

* File applications with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, along with a $95 fee. The charge will rise to $225 in January.

* Submit to a criminal background check. Applicants are now directed to report to INS-overseen centers where fingerprints are taken and sent to the FBI, which checks for any criminal record. Certain convictions, including those for violent crimes and virtually any drug offense, render applicants ineligible.

* Be interviewed and tested. INS examiners test for ability to speak, read and write in English, and for basic knowledge of U.S. government and history. There are waivers for certain groups of aged and disabled.

* Pledge their loyalty. Successful applicants must take a “meaningful oath” of allegiance to the United States and renounce previous national fealties. In practice, however, many countries, including Mexico, now allow their citizens to retain national status even after becoming U.S. citizens.

SEEKING CITIZENSHIP

Applicants for citizenship in the Los Angeles District (in thousands).

1998 projected

NUMBERS NATURALIZED

People sworn in as new citizens in the Los Angeles District. (in thousands).

1998 projected

BULGING BACKLOG

The number of applicants in line for citizenship in the Los Angeles District (in thousands).

As of August 1998

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

From Oct. 1, 1996, to Sept. 30, 1997, there were 378,014 people -- more than one-third of the national total --naturalized in California.

California: 36%

All other states: 64%

TOP 10

Newly naturalized citizens in Los Angeles County, 1996, by country of origin:

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1. Mexico 66,412 2. El Salvador 14,177 3. Philippines 8,753 4. South Korea 6,908 5. Vietnam 6,847 6. Iran 6,401 7. Former Soviet Union 5,885 8. Guatemala 5,741 9. China 3,825 10. Cuba 2,301

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Note: All figures are for fiscal years.

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Source: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.