The “American Dream” is what some people envision when thinking about life in the United States. What they do not know is that the process of becoming a U.S. citizen is not an easy journey. A long array of legal and procedural aspects has to be navigated very carefully. As some may know, the “middleman” in becoming a full-fledged U.S. citizen is being a legal permanent resident, otherwise known as a green-card holder. Assuming that derivative citizenship or the consular report of birth abroad processes do not apply, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen is known as “naturalization.” Yet, some people have certain medical conditions that do not allow them to read, write, or speak English. This is why Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, can significantly impact an applicant's path to citizenship.
I will explain why in the sections below:
Defining Form N-648
You might be wondering: How does an applicant know whether they can submit Form N-648 to the immigration service? The answer is not all that simple, especially knowing that the form’s approval is actually discretionary (more on that later). An applicant will generally submit this form if they cannot learn or demonstrate knowledge of the English language and/or the subject of civics and U.S. history due to a developmental or physical disability, a mental impairment, or a combination thereof. Approval of this form provides an exemption from the English and civics tests, which are required tests to pass in order to successfully become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Submission Of Form N-648
Form N-648 is generally submitted alongside form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Some officers may have discretion if an applicant does not initially submit it with form N-400, but the safest route is to submit it with the filing of form N-400. One aspect of Form N-648 is the requirement for certification by a licensed medical professional. How? Well, the medical professional must describe the applicant's condition, such as specific diagnoses and how these directly impact the individual's ability to meet the English and civics requirements. The description given by the medical professional will “make or break” the applicant’s chance of getting the exemption, and sometimes, even when the applicant is qualified to get the exemption, they may not as a result of the medical professional’s poorly written explanation.
Believe It Or Not: You May Encounter Hesitations Among Medical Professionals In Completing Form N-648
In my experience, multiple times for that matter, some medical professionals may hesitate to complete Form N-648, possibly due to unfamiliarity with its implications or concern about the outcome, or even ignorance about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. It is important to understand that filling out Form N-648 does not guarantee an exemption. The final decision rests with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer assigned to the case, but the medical certification provides evidence of the applicant's need for an exemption.
A Conversation: Immigration Attorneys And Medical Professionals — An Obligation
As an immigration attorney, my role is not only to assist my clients in applying for U.S. citizenship, but also to discuss Form N-648 with medical professionals. The immigration world is complex, and I cannot assume that medical professionals will fully understand the ramifications of their actions in completing Form N-648. Completing this form can make a substantial difference for those whose disabilities might impede their ability to fully engage with the naturalization process and journey toward U.S. citizenship. My aim is to provide well-rounded assistance, making sure that all of the required documentation, including Form N-648, is completed to the best of anyone's abilities.
Giselle M. Rodriguez is the founder of the Law Offices of Giselle M. Rodriguez PLLC, specializing in immigration law with a personal drive rooted in her own family’s history of immigration. Educated with a bachelor’s in political science and criminal justice from Regis College and a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law, she established her practice shortly after being sworn in as an attorney in 2021. Beyond her legal practice, Rodriguez actively engages with over 40,000 followers on TikTok and several thousand on Instagram, using these platforms to educate and advocate on immigration issues and rights.