Name: Ryan Lee Name of interviewee: Chung Lee

Interviewee: My father

Part 1: Q&A

1. What inspired you to become a U.S citizen?

“At that moment, if I’m honest, at the time, despite how I thought about a lot of the
benefits and the consequences a lot, overall it was because it would’ve been easier and
more convenient for me to come in and out of the U.S as opposed to getting a VISA or
only staying here temporarily. It’s easier for me to travel, let’s say back to my home
country, and return to America.”

2. What steps did you have to take as part of the naturalization process?
“I studied a lot for the exams I had to take, like memorizing the information for the
tests. I already knew how to speak enough english by that time so it wasn’t really a
concern to me. It was mainly the examination I prioritized.”

3. How would you describe how you felt about the process?
“I felt normal, or just natural. A lot of people assume I would be stressed but I was calm
more than anything. The process went smoothly for me, even for the exam, I was
confident that I would pass. I’ve already lived in the U.S. for five years so I was
confident with my english after I had all this time to improve, and also from studying
often, I had faith that I would pass the test.”

4. How has gaining citizenship changed your life? Is your daily life different
because of gaining citizenship?
“Nothing, things honestly seem to be the same, with or without citizenship, and even
if I had a resident card, life would still stay the same.”

5. Do you feel that the process was worth it?

“Yes, absolutely.”

6. If you had to, would you do it all over again? Explain

“Yes, I think it’s really worth it. I wouldn’t mind starting all over if I have to, from even
before I was able to come to the U.S. I would willingly wait fifteen years again.”

7. What is the main reason that prompted you to come to the U.S?
“The opportunity to find a better life in terms of living conditions and the money. Back in
Hong Kong it was a struggle but here, I have found a job, a house, and a family.”
Write a two-paragraph reflection of the naturalization process. Use the following
questions as a guide:

1. What is the purpose of the naturalization process?

2. Does the process work well? In other words, does the process achieve its
goals?
3. Would you change the process if you could? Explain why you would or why
you would not make a change. If you would, include how you would change
the naturalization process.

Eyes from all over the world look earnestly towards the United States in hopes
of having a better life than the ones they currently reside. And by immigrating to the
United States, and by going through the naturalization process, they will have the
opportunity of becoming a citizen, and enjoy the benefits of doing so. The
naturalization process is the legal process of having non-U.S persons become a U.S
citizen. And the process works incredibly well, and is very efficient. It consists of four
steps, one being you must be of an age of 18 or greater to qualify, along with a
residency. Two, you must provide a fingerprint and a payment. Next, one must take
an examination, which tests historical knowledge and the basic understanding of a
good citizen. Finally, you are asked to swear under oath loyalty to the United States.
In simple terms, I do not think the naturalization process needs to be changed.
There are four concrete processes that one must go through and is necessary in
order to do well in the country. It seems fair and rather achievable by most, and the
steps to become a U.S citizen promises a good future, along with the assurance of
safety.