Information for Elderly Asylees and Refugees: Forms and Guidance
Refugees naturalize at a higher rate than other, non-refugee immigrants, yet they often face serious challenges in the naturalization process due to advanced age, disabilities, low income, limited English proficiency, and low levels of literacy. Refugees also face challenges to civic participation such as language and cultural barriers, unfamiliarity with U.S. civic institutions, and reluctance to get involved in community affairs due to negative experiences in their native countries.
CLINIC has compiled the following resources to help elderly refugees and asylees naturalize.
- An explanation of the 50/20, 55/15 and 65/20 English testing exemptions based on age and long-term residence;
- A sample letter requesting due consideration in testing;
- A list of sample questions that may be asked during the naturalization exam for individuals meeting the 65/20 requirement.
In addition, the following resource is available online: