This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Jose and Maria Paret talk to their neighbor, John Corwin about the benefits of gaining American citizenship. The Paret's have been in the United States for two years, a while Jose wants to pursue citizenship, Maria has doubts. Among the benefits John Corwin mentions are the right to vote and potential for better paying jobs.
Maria worries that through citizenship, their daughter Elvira will lose some of her cultural heritage. John assures Maria that the United States is a mixture of people from many different heritages, all of which are important.
Also, Maria is under the impression that when they become citizens they will have to change their names. John explains that this is not true.
John explains that one must live in the US for at least five years before becoming a citizens, though they may go ahead and fill out declaration of citizenship forms. He also explains that they must take a test about American history and government.

The episode is immediately followed by an ad for the American Red Cross funds drive.

See also catalog # 69764, "Let's Speak American : Better Sure Than Sorry."

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 69765
Municipal archives id: LT789