The Long Grey Welcome: A Study of the American Naturalization Program 1

Abstract

This study examines the administrative structure of the federal naturalization program. Although the formal award of citizenship is made by the federal and some state courts, the de facto core of the naturalization process is the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (I.N.S.). The article follows a typical naturalization applicant through the application process and examines some of the roadblocks faced. I.N.S. administrative procedures are also examined to delineate the evolution of some of the current difficulties. Finally, the author suggests possible remedies to current administrative problems.