According to assistant to the attorney at Ostrom and Peterson LLC Rosie Guzman, acquiring citizenship can be done in a variety of ways.

“You have to be a cardholder first to become a citizen,” Guzman said. “(Also), you can become a citizen based on marriage to a citizen, where you can file after three years or you can do it on your own account where you wait five years.”

Guzman said everyone applying for citizenship is subject to the same process. However, particular groups of people may be further investigated.

“All of the people (applying for citizenship) have to be interviewed, they have to have a basic understanding of English (and) also have to study 100 questions,” Guzman said. “Some may have background security checks they have to do and unfortunately that does mean citizens of certain countries may be subject to (more) background checks compared to others.”

Sophomore Adna Mohamud said she recalls learning about the immigration process freshman year and believes it is extensive.

“The (citizenship) process is a bit too long because I saw an interview and most Americans don’t even know the answers (to questions immigrants are expected to know) so I think (the process) is a bit too much,” Mohamud said.

According to Guzman, the citizenship process proves more difficult for those who came to the United States illegally.

“If you come (to the United States) without status there are more things you have to do before you get to a point where you can become a citizen,” Guzman said.

Guzman said she thinks the number of people filing for citizenship has recently increased because of the latest election.

“(The number of citizenship applicants increased) last year because (citizens) wanted to be able to vote and this year (because) they want the ultimate security of not being deported,” Guzman said.

According to Mohamud, the surge in immigration resulted from the still relevant American ideals immigrants believe in.

“America has become a place of opportunity (and) I think the American dream still lives on for some people,” Mohamud said.