The People's Voice

WPA
PLANS
INSTRUCTION
FOR
CITIZENS

Terming the new $14,000,000 WPA program for American citizenship instruction "a much-needed step forward to help non-citizens acquire citizenship," the American Committee for Protection of Foreign Born, 79 Fifth Avenue, New York City, today urged all non-citizens to attend WPA classes in their communities. At the same time the Committee urged that the courses of instruction in Americanism emphasize the fundamental principles of democracy-"equality, tolerance and the rights of the people"-and the reasons for defending them against fascist forces in the world today.

Non-citizens wishing to enroll in citizenship classes, the committee stated, should make application at their local WPA headquarters.

In addition to conducting courses in citizenship, the American Committee urged the department of justice to further facilitate naturalization by removing many non-essential administrative requirements, which wind the naturalization process in red tape, by adding new examiners to the Naturalization Service to handle applications, and by setting aside additional citizenship days in the courts. "The naturalization service needs many new examiners and additions to its staff, if citizenship applications are to be speedily handled," the Committee said, in pointing out that nearly 2,000,000 applications at present are being delayed because of the small size of the staff and lack of adequate appropriations. Red tape should also be eliminated, it was stated, if the full benefits are to result from the instruction program.