The United States government has announced significant changes to its naturalisation process, allowing specific non-English-speaking permanent residents to take the civics test in their native language. This decision aims to accommodate older immigrants who may have lived in the country for decades without mastering English.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined two age-based exceptions to the English language requirement. The first exception, known as the 50/20 exception, applies to applicants who are at least 50 years old and have held a Green Card for a minimum of 20 years. The second, referred to as the 55/15 exception, is for those who are 55 years or older and have been permanent residents for at least 15 years.

While these exemptions relieve applicants from the English language requirement, they still must take the civics test, which assesses knowledge of U.S. government and history. However, eligible applicants can complete this test in their native language, provided they bring a qualified interpreter fluent in both English and their native language to the naturalisation interview. The responsibility of finding and bringing this interpreter falls on the applicants themselves.

Additionally, applicants aged 65 and above who have maintained permanent resident status for at least 20 years receive special consideration regarding the civics test. This group is allowed a simplified version of the civics test, making the process more manageable for long-term residents who may not have fully acquired English fluency.

These provisions highlight a more inclusive approach within the U.S. immigration system, particularly beneficial for older immigrants, including many from Nigeria and other African nations. For those who have built their lives in the U.S. over the years, understanding these exceptions could be crucial as they navigate the path to citizenship.

In related news, the U.S. government has also clarified eligibility criteria for immediate relatives of American citizens seeking Green Cards. Only spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older qualify under this category, emphasizing the need for clear pathways for families seeking to reunite in the United States.