Poster Session 11 Program Schedule
02/17/2024
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Room: Shubert Complex (Posters 1-60)
Poster Session 11: Cultural Neuropsychology | Education/Training | Professional Practice Issues
Final Abstract #40
Investigating the Role of Neuropsychology in the U.S. Naturalization Process: An Unexplored Opportunity in Multicultural Practice, Training, and Advocacy
Zach Greth, Widener University, Chester, United States
Category: Inclusion and Diversity/Multiculturalism
Keyword 1: diversity
Objective:
U.S. Naturalization applicants with neurological and psychological conditions can request an exemption from the required citizenship exam, due to impairment that prevents them from learning or demonstrating knowledge of the English language and/or U.S. history and civics. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that neuropsychologists are especially qualified to conduct evaluations with citizenship applicants to assess levels of functioning and determine eligibility for test exemption. Nearly 70,000 U.S. Naturalization applications were submitted in May 2023 alone, with a large subset of those also including Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions). By contrast, the neuropsychology literature on this topic is extremely limited. The purpose of this study was to examine current trends and general attitudes regarding the role of neuropsychology in this process.
Participants and Methods:
A professional practice survey was distributed to five neuropsychology listservs in August of 2023. Eligible participants included licensed professionals and clinical trainees, all with a specialization in neuropsychology and located in the U.S. or its territories. Familiarity and prior professional experience in this area were not required to participate. A total of 108 respondents completed the survey. The sample consisted of 75 licensed psychologists and 33 trainees.
Results:
Overall, 58% of the respondents were aware that requesting a test waiver is an option for those with cognitive and psychological impairment, but 58% did not know about Form N-648 specifically. The overwhelming majority of those familiar with the form first learned about it during a clinical encounter in which a Form N-648 request was embedded within a standard evaluation; most often for adult and geriatric cases involving known or suspected dementia or a history of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Notably, a lack of relevant literature and practice guidelines were the most common limiting factors identified in terms of being able to assist with Form N-648 requests, and 54% felt either “Not at all prepared” or “Mostly unprepared” prior to completing the form for the first time. Among those without professional experience, most indicated some level of interest in pursuing this type of work in the future, but endorsed a lack of awareness of the U.S. Naturalization process as a barrier to becoming more involved. Over 80% of participants slightly to strongly agreed that more training opportunities should be of higher priority in the field.
Conclusions:
To the author’s knowledge, this was the first study to investigate practices and beliefs regarding the use of neuropsychology services to determine eligibility for test waiver for U.S. Naturalization applicants seeking an exemption. While the majority of participants agreed that neuropsychologists are particularly well suited to contribute to this process, 84% somewhat or strongly disagreed that this is currently a known topic in the field. This study highlights a need to further promote the utility of neuropsychology in this aspect of naturalization, and increase access to opportunities in training and consultation related to Form N-648. In the context of growing U.S. Naturalization rates, establishing initiatives to strengthen neuropsychology’s presence in this area can pose a novel way to broaden the relevance of the field.
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