Trump’s Candidacy Pushes Surge In Applications For Citizenship

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• published: 27 May 2016
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Donald Trump’s candidacy has been controversial it’s even prompting some to apply for citizenship. And those new citizens are anxious to vote in November. About 9 million U.S. residents are eligible to become U.S. citizens. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more of them have been going through with the naturalization process. Barbara Aguilera was one of more than 100 at a recent naturalization ceremony at the Las Cruces convention center. “I am just very excited.” Aguilera said Aguilera is studying for a bachelor’s in engineering and lives with her American husband in Alamogordo. She has been a U.S. resident for almost 20 years, with no plans to naturalize, so why is she becoming a citizen today? She said to vote against Donald Trump! “I feel insecure with this uhmm candidate and his, the way he thinks. It is making immigrants in this country feel insecure.” Aguilera said. By and large, there’s always an uptick in citizenship applications before Presidential elections, but national data from the end of 2015 shows applications are up eight percent compared with the same period leading up to the 2012 Presidential election. According to the Dona Ana County Clerk, there has been a comparable increase in voter registration at Las Cruces naturalization ceremonies thus far. “I feel like I need to make my voice count and I need to vote to have participation in the government.”Aguilera said. Originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Aguilera and Hispanics like her are the most significant demographic that’s making the U.S. electorate more diverse than ever before. In fact, according to Pew’s Hispanic Research Center, this election, minorities will represent nearly one third of the electorate. But for Aguilera, becoming a citizen isn’t simply about accessing the right to vote. It’s also a question of security and keeping her family together in the United States. Donald Trump’s proposal to deport the more than 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally would not technically affect permanent residents like Aguilera, the rhetoric is causing fear. Aguilera said she was concerned Trump could go even further and limit permanent residents’ eligibility to become citizens, as well as their access to federal student loans and in-state tuition. "I am afraid of the changes that are coming with this new election and I want the best for my family, that is why I want to make my voice count that is why I became a US citizen.” Aguilera said. There may be many more new citizens like Aguilera. Nearly 3 million residents who are eligible for US citizenship come from Mexico.