Proficiency. Fluency would be a hurdle few adult immigrants who didn’t already speak English could pass. I suspect (though I don’t know) that proficiency is tested based on reading and writing, not on speaking ability. Again, that makes the req’t a bit easier than it would be if proficiency in the spoken language were required.
Yes, “fluency” is probably the wrong word to use, and I think it is based on a written test. Not that it would affect me much, since I come from an English-speaking background, if I decided to become a citizen when I become eligible in 3 years. (And given that my work requires knowledge of a broad range of things, including US politics and history, that part of the test should be easy for me, too).
There are also some lesser known requirements that often surprise new immigrants to the United States. On the day of the citizenship exam, please be prepared to:
[ul]
[li]Demonstrate full understanding of the infield fly rule.[/li][li]Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with relish. (With enthusiasm, that is, not the minced pickle condiment.)[/li][li]Pass the G-force centrifuge test. Men must endure 9G; women 6. For two hours.[/li][li]Know the name of the Lone Ranger’s nephew’s horse.[/li][li]Dunk the King George III impersonator into the water tank.[/li][li]Wrestle and subdue an adult grizzly bear.[/li][/ul]
Also, for the Battle of Gettysburg re-enactment, try to get on the Union side if you can. Either walk quickly to get to the head of the line, or see if you can swap uniforms later with one of your fellow applicants — preferably one you expect never to see again.
