The Brian Lehrer Show The Fears of Naturalized Citizens
Jul 24, 2025
Chris Feliciano Arnold, director of the creative-writing program at Saint Mary’s College and author, discusses the vulnerabilities of naturalized citizens amid the political turmoil of the Trump era. He highlights the emotional journey to citizenship, sharing the fears of denaturalization that many face. Arnold delves into the legal distinctions between naturalized and born citizens and the implications for free speech and identity. His insights illuminate the personal and constitutional significance of citizenship in today's society.
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Chris Arnold's Naturalization Story
- Chris Feliciano Arnold was born in Brazil and adopted as a US citizen at 13.
- His upbringing was indistinguishable from natural born citizens, yet he feels vulnerable as a naturalized citizen.
Naturalization vs Birth Citizenship
- The US Constitution distinguishes natural born and naturalized citizens, like the presidency eligibility.
- The Trump administration threatens citizenship revocation, undermining citizenship stability.
Challenges in Naturalization Process
- Naturalization is a lengthy, costly process involving residency, interviews, security checks, and a civics test.
- Many naturalized citizens take lifelong pride in their citizenship, viewing it as a permanent status.