Thoughts on Earning Citizenship?

[Thomas]

Inspired by AEA's 2012 Bucket List, I am creating this new thread to get people's opinions on having to earn citizenship. I only watched the movie (not read the book, which I hear is a lot better), for Starship Troopers.

In the movie, you have to earn citizenship. The main characters earn theirs by going into the military service.

The only benefit of citizenship I got out of the movie was the ability to vote.

So, with this idea just as a seed, do y'all think that having to earn citizenship in someway is maybe a good idea, or is it going back to the times where only land-owners could vote?

[Beiruty]

Even non-citizens can vote in local elections such as HOA, city gov and ISDs. That is the case in some of the counties and cities.

After spending 12 yrs in this country, it is enough "service" time to earn citizenship. By law it is 5 yrs+ in reality it somewhere between 8-12 yrs.
All non-resident should be equal in their immigration process, their selection to be immigrant is on case by case as per their qualification.
I would say make the time to be eligible for citizenship to 1000 days like in Canada. Let qualified immigrant be selected from abroad, from their home country.

More restrictions earning citizenship is not in the best interst of USA

I have a feeling that this thread would be locked in a flash.

[bayouhazard]

Inspired by AEA's 2012 Bucket List, I am creating this new thread to get people's opinions on having to earn citizenship. I only watched the movie (not read the book, which I hear is a lot better), for Starship Troopers.

In the movie, you have to earn citizenship. The main characters earn theirs by going into the military service.

The only benefit of citizenship I got out of the movie was the ability to vote.

So, with this idea just as a seed, do y'all think that having to earn citizenship in someway is maybe a good idea, or is it going back to the times where only land-owners could vote?

A poll tax would be a better idea, especially if it was the only tax levied on individuals.

[RoyGBiv]

I think you should be required to pass a test on reading comprehension and listening (aural) comprehension before you are allowed to vote.

As for Citizenship, are you suggesting the idea that even if you're born here to citizen parents, that you still have to earn your citizenship?... I would disagree...

However, I do think that 1.5 to 2 years military service should be mandatory for all citizens. All. Or maybe 1 year military, with one additional year military or community service. Teach everyone how to shoot, and give them the eye-opening experience of putting their life on the line for their country. We'd have a ton fewer voters focusing on extra-Constitutional issues, IMO.

[Kythas]

I think any illegal alien joining the military should be granted legal alien status immediately upon taking the Oath of Enlistment.

After an initial four year stint in the military, the person should have the option to become a citizen immediately if he so desires.

Any legal alien who completes one tour of duty in a combat zone should immediately have the option to become a citizen if he so desires, even if this tour of duty is complete before the four year period mentioned above.

[KRM45]

My citizenship was earned by the actions of my forefathers. Their service earned me my right to be an american. My service to my country, and my community, earned that right for my children. I hope as my children mature, they in turn earn the right for their kids.

I agree with Kythas. No matter how you came to be here, if you are willing to lay down your life for this great Nation, you deserve to be recognized as a citizen.

[10Shooter]

..............

I agree with Kythas. No matter how you came to be here, if you are willing to lay down your life for this great Nation, you deserve to be recognized as a citizen.

I agree

[Thomas]

Hmm... those are interesting ideas, but then the more I think about it, those ideas take away from the idea of freedom which is what America is supposed to be about.

No system is perfect, but I guess I'd rather worry about others trying to hurt or stop me than worrying about the government trying to hurt or stop me.



</thought experiment>

[Hoosier Daddy]

I agree with Kythas. No matter how you came to be here, if you are willing to lay down your life for this great Nation, you deserve to be recognized as a citizen.

I agree, but only after your service is complete and you're honorably discharged. Like the French Foreign Legion.