If you are assisting an elderly parent or relative to apply for U. S. citizenship or naturalization or if the person has medical problems it is likely that you are concerned that he or she will not be able to take and pass the citizenship test which includes U. S. history and civics. This article will discuss options that are available for your elderly or disabled parent or relative in order to attain U. S. citizenship.

In order to become a U. S. citizen most applicants need to pass a test that show that they are able to speak, read and write English as well as their knowledge by correctly answering questions about U. S. history, civics and geography. When it comes to applicants who are elderly or suffering from some medical problems there is a ‘disability exception’ provision to such citizenship test requirements. It must be noted that the disability exception for persons who have serious medical problems includes such problems as dementia that significantly affects the applicant’s ability to learn. Under the disability exception U. S. Citizenship And Immigration Services (USCIS), will excuse an applicant from taking the citizenship tests if the person has a disability or impairment that makes them unable to do so.

In order to request a disability exception, a citizenship applicant needs to submit not only the Form N-400 but also Form N-648. It must be noted that only a U. S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or clinical psychologist can complete Form N-648. Further, it must be noted that only USCIS can approve a request for a disability exception if the form is properly and fully completed and the doctor provides a clear and detailed explanation of the connection between the applicant’s disability and their inability to take the citizenship test. As per the requirements for doctors to fill out and complete Form N-648, it is noted that, “it is necessary for the doctor to give details about the diagnosis, its connection to the demands of the test and the doctor’s conclusion.”

As it is a requirement for a medical doctor, osteopathy or psychologists to complete Form N-648 it is best to determine whether your parent or relative qualifies for the disability exception by talking to the applicant’s doctor. Further, provide the doctor with a copy of the form and the USCIS instructions that go with it.
 
It is important to note that requests for a disability exception among the elderly are often based on diseases and medical impairments such as Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia and major depressive disorder. However, each patient is different and cognitive difficulties can result in many diseases and medical conditions that would cause an impairment in the applicant’s ability to learn or access long-term memory. Further, it must be noted that there is no set rule in respect of which disabilities, diseases or impairments will or will not qualify an applicant for a disability exception. The N-648 form can be submitted together with the naturalization application or can be submitted at the citizenship interview.

For legal assistance in respect of citizenship or a deportation proceedings requiring you to visit Cleveland immigration court seek out a law firm of renowned immigration professionals. 

About the company:
The Herman Legal Group is a law firm of renowned professionals who specialize in immigration law. The founder Richard Herman is said to be the best immigration lawyer in Columbus Ohio. For more information contact the Herman Legal Group.