First Citizenship Ceremony Held

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040226/325/en1s6.html

I guess I don't read my noozpapas as much as I thought because I didn't realise that there were folks so strongly against the concept of the ceremony.  

I kind of look forward to it.  Seems a bit more celebratory than just receiving a certificate in the post.

Hopefully I'll be able to look forward to it too. Its a big thing to become a citizen of another country and a little pomp and glitz to celebrate is no bad thing.

But as is typical no matter where you go in the world, someone has to complain about something. Citizenship ceremonies are another big target for people who dont have anything better to do. Of course if there are some legit reasons that people should oppose the ceremonies - I'll listen with interest.

On the other hand I'll be up in arms if this citizenship test bollocks comes into play. I do think that English classes would be a good idea but I dont honestly think that having to pass any sort of test to become a citizen of the UK is fair or right. I'll stand up for citizenship testing when our politicians have to start taking tests to represent us in government. A novel idea but it'll never happen.

Sarah

My only problem with the citizenship ceremony is that you have to pay another 68 pounds for it, on top of all the money you've spent for all the application fees!  

I do think think a bit of pomp & circumstance is a good thing - gives you a chance to celebrate!

£68!! Please. I think they should foot the bill for that. Do you have to attend one of the ceremonies? If so - they should handle the cost, not the immigrant.

Yes, after Jan 2004 you will have to attend and you will have to pay £68.  It is a bit steep, but if it's a nice ceremony, I don't mind!  

My only problem with the citizenship ceremony is that you have to pay another 68 pounds for it, on top of all the money you've spent for all the application fees!

Wha??!!   [smiley=stunned.gif]

I think I have to agree that another charge for the ceremony is a bit out of order. Especially if it is mandatory. I'd rather take that £68 and a few good friends round to the pub for my own celebration instead!  

Wha??!!   [smiley=stunned.gif]

I think I have to agree that another charge for the ceremony is a bit out of order. Especially if it is mandatory. I'd rather take that £68 and a few good friends round to the pub for my own celebration instead!  

here here to that my friend!

I think the ceremony fee should be included in the application fee, like in the US.

Btw, the US has citizenship tests, and even an english language test which you have to take even if you are British!

Btw, the US has citizenship tests, and even an english language test which you have to take even if you are British!

I'm not sure how I feel about a language test but it may be a good thing so you know the "new" person will be able to actually live in the country without having a language barrier to deal with.

I really am not keen on the other citizenship test as I think it's unfair to expect a "new" person to know so much about about a country's history that the average 'native' citizen probably wouldn't even know.  My step-father emigrated from Netherlands to the US and went through the whole citizenship test years ago and it was crazy the stuff he had to know!  

I just hope they don't introduce it in the UK.  :-/

In the US people attend citizenship classes before they take the test - and the same was/is suggested for the UK.  There would be classes to take - they wouldn't just expect you to know all about a country you weren't raised in.

Whats really funny is that most foreigners probably know more about American History and Government than Americans do! Maybe they should be giving those classes to the lazy American youth rather than hardworking and hopefull immigrants who earned their citizenship.

Oh - and the English tests for citizens of the country that spoke English long before America did? Thats just absurd. America should get over itself. I can only hope that the UK doesnt follow suit. English classes, in my eyes, should be made avalible to every newcommer at no cost to the student, but shoulldnt be manditory.

It would be interesting to know what the American citizenship English tests are like!  I wonder if I'd pass?  (I had an British friend once who failed an English paper in his baccalaureat in France!)

Do they have multiple-choice questions?  E.g.:

" 'I am mad about my flat.'  Does this mean (a) 'I am enthusiastic about my apartment'; or (b) 'I am angry about my puncture'? "!!!!