1 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Voting is a right of U. S. citizenship and those who wish to vote must become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, the naturalization process for immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship takes eight to ten years. For those immigrants who legally apply for citizenship, we must expedite the process. While applicants are waiting they are paying taxes, living under our laws, and many are fighting for our country. They should also be entitled to vote.

However, for those immigrants who are living here illegally and have not applied for citizenship, they should not be given the right to vote.

The Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." The key word is "citizen." It does not matter what race, color or previous condition of solitude you are, only that you have to be a citizen to vote.

According to the USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services), the general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
an ability to read, write, and speak English;
a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
good moral character;
attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
favorable disposition toward the United States.

Perhaps the waiting time for the legal naturalization process is so long because the immigrants must be continuous residents and have the ability to read, write and speak English. Whatever the reasons, our country has laws for citizenship just as every other country does and if an immigrant wants to immigrate to our country, they must abide by those laws and become a citizen. At that time, they are entitled under the Constitution to vote.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Lea Hill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The debate around immigrants' voting rights in the US?
We want to hear your view. Write now!