Letter to Editor

New ways to help our immigrant community become New Americans

Dear Editors,

	I am the citizenship tutor at Parkway Area AEL.  I have used your
citizenship site for several of my students.  I've been helping
immigrants and refugees prepare for the Naturalization exam for 8
years.  In that time I've learned that the 100 questions are just a
minor part of the interview process.  The main emphasis is on personal
information on the N400 (new revised form 5/31/01), Oath of Allegiance,
dictation, and then 100 questions.  Has anyone in your organization but
the questions on the new revised N400 into Chinese?  Has anyone put the
Oath (ancient legal vocabulary plus an explanation in common ordinary
English) into Chinese?  If so, could you let me know.  Those additional
translations would be very helpful.  If you need a copy of the new
revised N400 call 1 (800) 870-3676, the INS forms hotline available 24
hrs. a day and request the Guide to Naturalization Form M-476 and N400
revised 5/31/01.

     	Applicants ability to understand, speak, read, & write ordinary
English is very important today.  The Chinese translations help to
clarify concepts and vocabulary, but understanding English and the
seriousness of taking an oath is necessary.  Otherwise applicants will
be throwing $310 out the window.

Diane Newett