Which statement best describes the effect of the Walter-McCarran Act on citizenship in 1952?(
The Walter-McCarran Act, also known as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, had a significant impact on citizenship in the United States. It was a comprehensive immigration law that made several changes to immigration policy and procedures, including naturalization (the process of becoming a citizen).
The act established the requirements and procedures for acquiring U.S. citizenship, including the process of naturalization. It clarified the eligibility criteria for becoming a citizen and set forth the steps and requirements for the naturalization process.
One of the notable effects of the Walter-McCarran Act was the removal of race-based barriers to citizenship. Before the act, certain racial and ethnic groups faced discriminatory barriers and restrictions on citizenship acquisition. The act removed these discriminatory provisions, allowing individuals of all races and ethnicities to seek naturalization based on equal standards.
Another significant effect of the act was the establishment of a uniform and standardized naturalization process across the country. Prior to the act, naturalization procedures and requirements varied across different states, leading to inconsistencies and disparities in citizenship acquisition. The act aimed to streamline and regularize the naturalization process, ensuring consistent standards and procedures across all states.
The Walter-McCarran Act also introduced the concept of "good moral character" as a requirement for citizenship. It specified that individuals seeking citizenship needed to demonstrate good moral character, a provision that has continued to be a requirement in the naturalization process.
In summary, the Walter-McCarran Act of 1952 had a positive effect on citizenship by removing race-based barriers, establishing a standardized naturalization process, and introducing the requirement of "good moral character" for those seeking citizenship.