OpEd: Some Immigrants are More Qualified than Trump for U.S. Citizenship

By Laurie Baron

SAN DIEGO — The Trump Administration has halted naturalization ceremonies for people from 19 countries it deems “high risk.” Given that those affected have been vetted and have met the qualifications for citizenship, there can only be one reason why the President Trump has decided to take this step: he realizes that they are more qualified than he is to be an American citizen.

First, they must have exhibited good moral character and have no criminal record.  Conversely, Mr. “grab them by the pussy” was found guilty of sexual abuse and defamation.  He headed a company convicted of tax fraud.  Does that sound like an upstanding person except to someone like Jeffrey Epstein?

Second, they must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.  Does Trump ever read anything?  He prefers maps, charts, and photos in his daily intelligence briefings.  I surmise he has never read a novel, though as a kid he might have skimmed Classics Illustrated.  Based on his Truth Social posts and speeches, it does not appear he has mastered basic English except for the demeaning and vulgar phrases he uses to label his enemies.

Third, future citizens must demonstrate a knowledge of US history and government.  Trump has described the Declaration of Independence as a “declaration of unity and love and respect.”  I’m sure that once England acknowledges their misunderstanding of the Declaration, it will be delighted to recolonize the United States.  He blames Canada for burning down the White House during the War of 1812.  He speculates that Andrew Jackson would have prevented the Civil War even though he was a slave owner. He thinks only the United States won World War Two though he does concede Russia suffered heavy casualties.  He believes Article Two is the sole article in the Constitution. According to him, Congress exists to approve his policies while the Supreme Court’s function is to rule them as legal.

Finally, new citizens must renounce their loyalty to other states.  Trump agrees so long as those states are not “high risk.”  On the other hand, he remains loyal to Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orbán, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

On these grounds, Donald Trump would be unqualified to be an American citizen.  Moreover, under his administration, the United Staes has become a “high risk” country.

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Laurie Baron, retired from San Diego State University, is a professor emeritus of history.