Should Immigrants have a citizenship class? To be honest, I'm not sure as to yes or no. So at this point I believe it should be optional with it being offered by the State Department (for a small fee) to be used to help immigrants accumulate points (under an ideal immigration system [issues 115,116, and 117), or to aid in the process of migrating to their new home in the United States. So what would be needed to become a "good" citizen?
Language: Teaching immigrants how to read and write in English is essential. It prevents them from relying on other people to interpret for them what a politician or a boss is telling them. Thus it helps act as insurance that they are being treated fairly by a boss and not being manipulated by a politician or anyone for that manor. Also, the ability to communicate in the native language aids in allowing the new citizen to interact with their new communities. This helps break down racial and ethnic barriers while preventing the formation of ethnic and racial ghettos as well as stopping social isolation due to the inability to communicate. Getting such immigrants to at least an 8th grade reading level is best as this will enable them to communicate while giving them the ability to learn and enhance their knowledge of the language as they live in their new country on their own.
The Constitution: Each immigrant must know the government and how it operates, starting with its core (the Constitution) and the reasons behind why people fought and died to establish and preserve that document. Knowing how the government works also prevents them from being misled by false promises of politicians as they will know the limits of power the government has. Within a Constitution, the basic God given (or natural rights) are put forth and should also be taught to the new immigrants. By knowing their rights and privileges as citizens it gives these new citizens the same knowledge and power that all citizens already have, while preventing any sort of oppression by government or their now fellow (or soon to be) citizens.
Where to go if in trouble: The immigrants will be made aware of who to call in case of an emergency or if they are in danger. Basically teach them to call 911 and what to do on the phone to explain to the operator in as fast and calm a way possible what is happening. Some may think this is simple, but some immigrants are coming from countries where the police are bullies and are abusers, so learning to trust is paramount. This is also why these immigrants should learn the language as the time it takes to find an interpreter is precious time that is wasted not getting to the scene of an accident or to a crime in progress.
Basic culture: Learning basic culture of the American community can also help. Meeting people from other countries and learning to get along with their unique customs is a lot like dating, you’re only going to tolerate so much. So knowing what may or may not offend the local community and ensuring the new immigrant knows to explain why they do what they do helps to reduce the possibility of friction from the new immigrant and the community that is adopting them and their family.
Conclusion: Yes, despite everything I said, it is best to make this sort of class optional. Some of the immigrants may already know most if not all of these things and making them take the classes is redundant. However, it is my belief that those who actually wish to know will take the classes (so maybe I would not mind offering this free on my tax payer dime in this case). I want all people who wish for the American dream (their American Dream) to come to
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