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Citizenship test: Collective action required, or expect endless delays, years. Example of the effective lobbyng of people awaiting spousal sponsorship

xichanmontreal

Star Member
Nov 26, 2018
133
54
https://www.rebelnews.com/immigration_canada_plans_for_covid_19_physical_distancing_to_continue_into_late_2021

The tribunal for immigration issues, IRB - CISR, which had already resumed its activities with a distance, is in the process of seeking a tenderer to enlarge the premises in safety.
Source, rebelnew (I know ... it's a far-right newspaper hostile to immigrants ... but this information is good for us to take ... If IRB-IRB resumes, that the service canada offices have resumed , there is no longer any reason to delay resuming IRCC services too ... with all necessary security and distancing measures).

They have no more excuses now.

The article also says that the distancing situation will last AT LEAST until the end of 2021 (So it could last a lot longer): It's time to get moving!

Note: In Quebec, for example, as part of the provincial plan to end confinement, or "deconfinement", groups of up to 250 people are now allowed ... Including cultural activities, such as theaters or cinemas. .. We cannot say that those are essential !
 

Ahmed_Khan

Member
Aug 15, 2020
15
8
I read the different exchanges in this topic ...

This deadlock is really worrying ... We don't know where we're going, and it's normal to be afraid of the unknown ...

I think it is normal and legitimate to exert pressures, to at least have some clarifications from the ministry ...

My business never closed during the entire pandemic ... And I see that recently everything is picking up, even some leisure facilities ... So why not immigration and citizenship tests, with all the security measures, well sure !? Just asking ??
 

dpenabill

VIP Member
Apr 2, 2010
6,294
3,059
Let's be clear, for those of us who have pushed back in topics like this, it is in significant part because contrary views are distorted and misrepresented. Perhaps someone has said something akin to "mobilization is useless," BUT that is NOT what most of the push back here has been about. Not close. And it is blatantly misleading to suggest that is what the push back has been about.

It warrants recognizing that in regards to the status of grant citizenship applications in process there is no implicit let alone explicit threat to the rights or status of such applicants, so there is NO need to mobilize to protest. Recognizing this, that protests are NOT necessary, is totally different from claiming mobilization is useless.

In a similar vein:
I believe the right to mobilize, the right to publicly voice our views including asking the government to do better... these are rights that liberal democracies like Canada stand for. Surprised to see so much pushback against those attempting to organize.
Rational criticism of unwarranted and ill-advised *mobilization* is NOT pushing-back against the right to mobilize, especially a call to mobilize that is overstated, misdirected, rooted in fear-mongering, and distorts the issues.

As for the proffered example about IRCC offering a pathway to PR for "asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent residency if they meet the criteria" that is indeed a good example . . . well-founded and clearly focused activism on behalf of a specific group of individuals deserving a change in policy to facilitate their pathway to becoming Canadians (Canadian PRS). While showing up in person and carrying signs was a significant aspect of their efforts, their message and objective was as big and important, and probably more so.

The mobilization promoted in this topic does not have a message or objective that warrants protesting; it does NOT address a concrete policy in need of change and it is not based on well-founded cause. There is NO real threat of "endless" delays. The repeated fear the Canadian government may be changing the rules in a way that would preclude current applicants (qualified applicants) from obtaining citizenship is totally unfounded, so much so it is utterly FAR-FETCHED.

For example:
. . . but I'd like to point out that the "rule-of-law" is relative when the rules themselves change . . . I'm afraid the rules will change.

What worries me is rules changing as they did back when last the Tories won an election. My fear is having my citizenship application cancelled again like my PR was back then because the new government wants to make it harder for us to become citizens.
Sorry, @robteix, that you have fallen victim to the fear mongering. There is NO reason, NONE, to have this fear. The threat of drastic changes in the Citizenship Act that would undermine or thwart qualified applications currently in process really is FAR-FETCHED. By a big margin. In particular, there is NO REASON to apprehend rule changes which will result in the disqualification of those citizenship applicants who meet the current qualifications and who have an application in process.

What happened in relation to the skilled worker visa program is not at all comparable . . . and this is amply illustrated in the difference between the Harper government's changes to who would be granted skilled worker related PR visas versus the Harper government's changes to the requirements for grant citizenship AROUND the SAME TIME. The changes to requirements for grant citizenship did NOT change any eligibility criteria in a way that would affect anyone with an application pending and, indeed, the changes were only implemented in a way to affect applications made nearly a full year AFTER the changes in law had been adopted and received Royal Assent (so even after the law changed, new applications filed for nearly the next year continued to be processed under the previous 3/4 residency requirements, not the new tougher actual physical presence requirements).

Even if there is a federal election soon and even if the Conservatives win that election, Canada is NOT on the brink of terminating the path to citizenship for immigrants, not generally, and more specifically there is NO reasonable, rational basis for apprehending that even a majority Conservative government would revise the Citizenship Act in a way that would unfairly terminate applications now in process.


IS IRCC DOING ENOUGH TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SITUATION and GET PROCESSING CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS BACK ON TRACK?

This is a legitimate question. But it is largely a matter of logistics not policy. And as usual, the nuts-and-bolts logistics of bureaucratic processing is not a matter being litigated in the public sphere. Which is no different than how things are done in the corporate world. Anyone claiming that private or corporate businesses would be any more transparent in addressing these kinds of issues is either blowing smoke or has had rather little experience in the real corporate world.

I do not know just what IRCC is doing to get grant citizenship application processing back on track. There is NO reason to doubt they are making a reasonable effort to address and solve the problems, trying to figure out how to meet the statutory requirements in the current environment and in the foreseeable future.

I understand more than a few want the government to be more aggressive and faster. Some are proffering ways to get that done.

However, the odds are very high that IRCC is nonetheless already exploring options, examining potential fixes and work-around methods, and it is probably a rather safe bet they have some rather well-informed and competent people working on this. But IRCC is also a large bureaucracy. And again, bureaucracy is what bureaucracy does, and that rarely includes easy or quick adaptation.

Moreover, what IRCC can do is very much restrained by the governing law. IRCC has NO power, NO authority to change the law. Thus, for example, the role that knowledge of Canada testing plays cannot be easily revised by IRCC since this is a specific requirement imposed by statute, and IRCC has a defined obligation to apply and enforce the provision requiring adult citizenship applicants (unless exempt) be screened for knowledge of Canada.

The logistics continue to be daunting. Those who think there are easy fixes are probably overlooking the legal restraints and underestimating bureaucratic complexity. This pandemic continues to lurk large on our border, the worst of it still raging largely out-of-control within just a couple hundred km of the vast majority of Canadians. This is a major roadblock which will continue to slow things down. But there is no reason to apprehend "endless" delays. IRCC will deal with the situation, address the problems, and get back on track processing applications. No where near as quickly as most prefer. Again, bureaucracy is what bureaucracy does.
 

canuck78

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Jun 18, 2017
53,022
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I highly doubt that the delay we have with having online tests is about cheating, it has more to do with the lack of proficiency of IRCC. There are dozens of companies out there that can arrange for these kinds of online tests to ensure no cheating happens: video cam, regular screenshots of the screen, etc. They keep talking about finding a solution, but that means nothing if no actual initiatives were taken such as posting a message saying we partnered with this company or that company to setup online testing. Online tests are done all around the globe every single day for the last 10 years.
Why do you not think they are exploring these options, getting bids, exploring building these options themselves, analyzing whether the expense is worthwhile if our covid numbers are going down. What happens if a person does not have access to a computer or internet. Even with video cam and screenshots people can be hiding under desks or off to the side. These aren’t complex tests where it would be hard to cheat. These are all the considerations that need to be made. This is the government, no big change happens fast especially if it isn’t an emergency. We are slowly hearing about alterations being made to account for covid. People can protest all they want but the solution is likely being worked on behind the scenes like the virtual oaths and protesting is unlikely to speed up the process of figuring out what will be done about the tests.
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
53,022
12,785
They didn’t get what they wanted. They got part of what they wanted. The Quebec government didn’t want to do anything because goes against all the promises that those who crossed Roxham Rd and weren’t asylum seekers would be identified and not be able to stay and that people should trust the asylum process. The Liberals want to keep or gain seats in Quebec so the plan had more to do with the Liberals positioning themselves for the next election. I suspect that there will be more protests to try and get PR for workers that were not in healthcare but the liberals have essentially said there will be no changes.

Protesting for a total change is very different than protesting to speed up a normal system. You’d be protesting to find a way to transition to a covid friendly citizenship granting process faster than you currently are.
 
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Ladymarie

Star Member
Jul 1, 2020
89
16
Let's be clear, for those of us who have pushed back in topics like this, it is in significant part because contrary views are distorted and misrepresented. Perhaps someone has said something akin to "mobilization is useless," BUT that is NOT what most of the push back here has been about. Not close. And it is blatantly misleading to suggest that is what the push back has been about.

It warrants recognizing that in regards to the status of grant citizenship applications in process there is no implicit let alone explicit threat to the rights or status of such applicants, so there is NO need to mobilize to protest. Recognizing this, that protests are NOT necessary, is totally different from claiming mobilization is useless.

In a similar vein:


Rational criticism of unwarranted and ill-advised *mobilization* is NOT pushing-back against the right to mobilize, especially a call to mobilize that is overstated, misdirected, rooted in fear-mongering, and distorts the issues.

As for the proffered example about IRCC offering a pathway to PR for "asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent residency if they meet the criteria" that is indeed a good example . . . well-founded and clearly focused activism on behalf of a specific group of individuals deserving a change in policy to facilitate their pathway to becoming Canadians (Canadian PRS). While showing up in person and carrying signs was a significant aspect of their efforts, their message and objective was as big and important, and probably more so.

The mobilization promoted in this topic does not have a message or objective that warrants protesting; it does NOT address a concrete policy in need of change and it is not based on well-founded cause. There is NO real threat of "endless" delays. The repeated fear the Canadian government may be changing the rules in a way that would preclude current applicants (qualified applicants) from obtaining citizenship is totally unfounded, so much so it is utterly FAR-FETCHED.

For example:


Sorry, @robteix, that you have fallen victim to the fear mongering. There is NO reason, NONE, to have this fear. The threat of drastic changes in the Citizenship Act that would undermine or thwart qualified applications currently in process really is FAR-FETCHED. By a big margin. In particular, there is NO REASON to apprehend rule changes which will result in the disqualification of those citizenship applicants who meet the current qualifications and who have an application in process.

What happened in relation to the skilled worker visa program is not at all comparable . . . and this is amply illustrated in the difference between the Harper government's changes to who would be granted skilled worker related PR visas versus the Harper government's changes to the requirements for grant citizenship AROUND the SAME TIME. The changes to requirements for grant citizenship did NOT change any eligibility criteria in a way that would affect anyone with an application pending and, indeed, the changes were only implemented in a way to affect applications made nearly a full year AFTER the changes in law had been adopted and received Royal Assent (so even after the law changed, new applications filed for nearly the next year continued to be processed under the previous 3/4 residency requirements, not the new tougher actual physical presence requirements).

Even if there is a federal election soon and even if the Conservatives win that election, Canada is NOT on the brink of terminating the path to citizenship for immigrants, not generally, and more specifically there is NO reasonable, rational basis for apprehending that even a majority Conservative government would revise the Citizenship Act in a way that would unfairly terminate applications now in process.


IS IRCC DOING ENOUGH TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SITUATION and GET PROCESSING CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS BACK ON TRACK?

This is a legitimate question. But it is largely a matter of logistics not policy. And as usual, the nuts-and-bolts logistics of bureaucratic processing is not a matter being litigated in the public sphere. Which is no different than how things are done in the corporate world. Anyone claiming that private or corporate businesses would be any more transparent in addressing these kinds of issues is either blowing smoke or has had rather little experience in the real corporate world.

I do not know just what IRCC is doing to get grant citizenship application processing back on track. There is NO reason to doubt they are making a reasonable effort to address and solve the problems, trying to figure out how to meet the statutory requirements in the current environment and in the foreseeable future.

I understand more than a few want the government to be more aggressive and faster. Some are proffering ways to get that done.

However, the odds are very high that IRCC is nonetheless already exploring options, examining potential fixes and work-around methods, and it is probably a rather safe bet they have some rather well-informed and competent people working on this. But IRCC is also a large bureaucracy. And again, bureaucracy is what bureaucracy does, and that rarely includes easy or quick adaptation.

Moreover, what IRCC can do is very much restrained by the governing law. IRCC has NO power, NO authority to change the law. Thus, for example, the role that knowledge of Canada testing plays cannot be easily revised by IRCC since this is a specific requirement imposed by statute, and IRCC has a defined obligation to apply and enforce the provision requiring adult citizenship applicants (unless exempt) be screened for knowledge of Canada.

The logistics continue to be daunting. Those who think there are easy fixes are probably overlooking the legal restraints and underestimating bureaucratic complexity. This pandemic continues to lurk large on our border, the worst of it still raging largely out-of-control within just a couple hundred km of the vast majority of Canadians. This is a major roadblock which will continue to slow things down. But there is no reason to apprehend "endless" delays. IRCC will deal with the situation, address the problems, and get back on track processing applications. No where near as quickly as most prefer. Again, bureaucracy is what bureaucracy does.
Well said and commonsensical as per current dictates but am afraid the fear/paranoid mongering bunch and quick action seekers will find this too hard to comprehend. You can’t reason with such and best to allow them be in thier bubbles of illusion while they still do the WAITING game.
 
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piotrqc

Hero Member
Aug 10, 2020
391
451
Why do you not think they are exploring these options, getting bids, exploring building these options themselves, analyzing whether the expense is worthwhile if our covid numbers are going down. What happens if a person does not have access to a computer or internet. Even with video cam and screenshots people can be hiding under desks or off to the side. These aren’t complex tests where it would be hard to cheat. These are all the considerations that need to be made. This is the government, no big change happens fast especially if it isn’t an emergency. We are slowly hearing about alterations being made to account for covid.
And why do you, you think they are actually exploring these options, who makes you think? ... This claim is pure speculation.

You are making an assumption based on your personal appreciation. No certainty, and no real fact supporting your point. Nothing, it remains the domain of speculation and your imagination.

What I'm simply saying is that IRCC's lack of clarity and communication leaves the field open to all possible interpretations: Happy ending in a world of telletubies as you do, and as realistic and down to earth (or pessimistic depending on you, everything is relative and depends on the point of view), as I do .... Both remain legitimate as long as IRCC is silent and does not plan anything, not publicly at least.

Small parenthesis, I remind you that the cinemas are open now. What are we talking here ??! ... A few people spaced in a room to take a test? (I don't bring up the online test anymore because the accusations and prejudices and clichés about strangers cheating make me sick and depressed, I don't want to talk about it anymore).

I have read myself in several other subjects on this forum several people reporting the rumor (unlike you, I admit that everything is possible, and I am not very affirmative and sure of supositions ... in uncertainty and the lack of information, everything is to be considered, everything is possible), that the tests are quite simply canceled until further notice ... And that they focus on virtual ceremonies while waiting for the in-person tests to restart. .. Which may take years with the union of very powerful federal employees, which will be able to block everything up to the situation of zero Covid cases .... It is a affirmationthat is circulating.

You can't stop people from doing it ( affirmation ), like you do... Unless you have a strong point, with a source.

eople can protest all they want but the solution is likely being worked on behind the scenes like the virtual oaths and protesting is unlikely to speed up the process of figuring out what will be done about the tests.
Speculation again. Why do you keep trying to make people lose hope at all costs? Tirelessly .
 

piotrqc

Hero Member
Aug 10, 2020
391
451
They didn’t get what they wanted. They got part of what they wanted. The Quebec government didn’t want to do anything because goes against all the promises that those who crossed Roxham Rd and weren’t asylum seekers would be identified and not be able to stay and that people should trust the asylum process. The Liberals want to keep or gain seats in Quebec so the plan had more to do with the Liberals positioning themselves for the next election. I suspect that there will be more protests to try and get PR for workers that were not in healthcare but the liberals have essentially said there will be no changes.

Protesting for a total change is very different than protesting to speed up a normal system. You’d be protesting to find a way to transition to a covid friendly citizenship granting process faster than you currently are.
We have televisions too, and read the media.

I myself followed this case of asylum seekers, mainly people who worked in CHSLDs (long-term care center for elderly people in Quebec), hospitals or private residences.

In truth, and with all due respect, you are not telling the whole truth ... It is intellectually dishonest.

I followed the whole affair, listened to long radio broadcasts, read articles ... The Legault government was hostile to any form of regularization ... The maximum they accepted was a case-by-case examination. The federal government wanted to regularize all those who took part in the health services during the pandemic by loan or from afar ... Not only caregivers, beneficiary attendants, but also security agents, and even maintenance agents! ... It took long negotiations between the two governments, but also an indefatigable mobilization, and incessant demonstrations (thus the press which speaks about it) so that the government of Quebec finally accepts the compromise of this exceptional program which could open the possibility of permanent residence for all direct caregivers (not on a case-by-case basis).

The mobilization finally helped to achieve more than the queebc government was willing to give at the start, so better than nothing.

I invite people to check this information for themselves ... Don't be swayed by directed information.

All this to say that demonstrating and making noise can be useful ... It is better to try and make noise than to wait passively ... Once again: We are unfortunately not in the world of telletubies. I remain convinced that if we make noise, it is better than to be silent ... IRCC is obliged to look more quickly on how to restart the tests in person.

... Who wants to go see a movie at the cinema?
 
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Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
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.

Then let’s give everyone their first passport for free, might as well. That’ll probably be the next issue and or demand coming down the pike .Citizenship should be based on legislation not based upon an election promise to gain seats and or votes to stay in power
That’ll just add to the astronomical debt this country is already facing . That money tree in Ottawa must be getting pretty bare, or as people keep asking “ Where is all this money coming from ?”
 

hotshot45890

Star Member
Jun 29, 2020
102
106
Poorly researched and presented article. People have different views on this topic but the article does not try to address the pros/cons of reducing the fees and how the pandemic may impact timelines further if fees are reduced. Very simplistic, could have presented both sides of the arguments for the reader to understand all key issues on this topic.
 
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prash42

Hero Member
Jun 1, 2014
291
176
Again, bureaucracy is what bureaucracy does.
Mobilization is to get lawmakers' attention, who can with sufficient public pressure, simplify certain things. For example, with the stroke of a pen, extend the validity of all PR cards by 12 months, so the number of renewal applications falls drastically during this COVID adjustment period. I'm fairly certain you will find a flaw in this suggestion :) Urge you not to bother, as I will not be reading the response.

Mobilization is also to call out bureaucracy. Even if it results in no change, they should be called out. Repeatedly. Every time. Without fail. Personally I don't have the time to mobilize. But I applaud those who do. And pray that they are not disheartened by naysayers.

I'm amongst those who believe change is possible. Bill C-6 didn't happen in a vacuum. It happened because of concerted efforts of those who mobilized.
 

dpenabill

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Apr 2, 2010
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Urge you not to bother, as I will not be reading the response.
Suspected as much.

Frankly, the narcissistic bubble approach is not at all surprising. Unfortunately those who willfully wallow in ignorance, and are proud to proclaim they are unwilling to so much as consider contrary views, pose the far greater threat to freedom, the rule of law, and preserving a just society.

Reminds me of @piotrqc asserting freedom of speech
The freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly are guaranteed . . .
and in that very same post insisting that another forum participant cease posting in this topic, cease expressing a contrary view. Irony not lost.

BUT what protests or mobilization are you talking about in regards to Bill C-6?

Bill C-6 didn't happen in a vacuum. It happened because of concerted efforts of those who mobilized.
Most of Bill C-6 was part of the Liberal Party platform in its 2015 election campaign. Yeah, my wife and I among millions of others were extensively and aggressively engaged in encouraging "strategic voting" in the 2015 Federal election in order to be sure there would be an end to the Harper government. That election was very much about the need to restore some sanity, including supporting much of the Liberal Party immigration and citizenship reform platform. And following the election the new government timely proceeded to implement much if not most of what the Liberal platform promised. No taking to the streets and carrying signs to get the government to reform the drastic changes the previous government adopted, because it was not necessary. Good old fashioned political activism and advocacy worked.

Which illustrates a really, really important element of effective activism and advocacy: focus on message, objectives, and effective actions. Employ the most persuasive and effective means available. Real activism demands focus, effort, time, homework, and a just cause. A just cause is kind of critical.

In contrast, any effort to bootstrap what was promoted here with references to such legitimate activism and advocacy does not fly.

My neighbour and friend is a good guy and innocent does not buy much for the one who is holding the smoking gun.

Let's be clear in regards to at least what I have objected to here. It's the fear-mongering. It's the false threat that without taking to the streets there will be "endless" delays with the "highly likely" result that those with applications now pending will be denied citizenship by future changes in the law motivated by hostility toward immigrants (allegedly a "very likely" "horror scenario").

And let's be clear about what this call to "mobilize today before tomorrow," and to "make noise, protest, and demand solutions . . . ," is NOT about. It is NOT about protecting the rights of PRs who currently have citizenship applications in process against a government that is threatening to deny them citizenship. Any suggestion to the contrary is utter malarkey. There is NO such threat, no whiff of such a threat rising beyond the horizon. It is abusive fear-mongering to press otherwise.

This is not about me. But the persistent insinuations that those of us who favour reason and oppose hyperbolic characterizations of what the Canadian government does or does not do are "naysayers" or that we otherwise oppose legitimate efforts to influence government, are nothing other than ad hominem attacks. Unfounded. False. In particular, while I am no expert, NOT an authority on anything, I do have a strong social conscience and have earned some activist cred. My personal engagement in activism goes back to the 1960s (yeah, I'm an old man), from being tear-gassed while a teen, to participation in the occupation of a University Administration building while at University, and carrying lots of signs and making noise over the years since, and generally over the course of more than the last HALF CENTURY my activism has ranged from formal advocacy (submitted my first official petition to the U.S. courts, appealing a military tribunal's decision in regards to a conscientious objection application, 46 years ago) to taking to the streets; mostly as a participant and supporter, at times a formal advocate, but I have also engaged in some level of organizing as well. So give me a break with the bogus accusations of anti-free-speech, anti-activist crap.

And a good deal of my participation in this and similar forums for more than the last decade has involved a great deal of effort to help immigrants better understand the process. I have done the homework, month in and month out, for YEARS. I make a real effort to be constructive, to give those with questions some direction, some navigational aids. Yes, for the last several years now the scope of this has been much reduced. As I noted, I am an old man. An old man whose retirement plan was working until I die (OK, perhaps not a particularly smart man). Gotten a little tougher than I was counting on. But then I have lived longer than I was planning for. So what I do here has to be balanced with still operating my business. So I have had to cut back, to focus on fewer issues, to limit the scope of what I can offer. But that's mostly what I do here, make an effort to help. Sincerely. Genuinely, And, investing time and effort to do so.

The ad hominem grows old. The false equivalencies grow old. The exaggerations and distortions grow old. The freedom-of-expression for me but you shut up crap grows old. The claims to be a noble activist but for not-at-all-noble reasons grow old. And yeah, the insisting on the right of expression by those unwilling to read what others genuinely have to offer, that too grows old. Not that it will go away. But sometimes there will be push back. Like here, and the abusive effort to conflate current logistical problems with grossly exaggerated warnings of doom, unnecessarily alarming grant citizenship applicants. Yeah, some of us push back if and when the need arises.
 
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Dana.D

Star Member
Jul 24, 2017
124
88
so what are we all doing about the endless delays in Citizenship applications and the indefinite cancellation of the Citizenship Exam until further notice? looks like this is gonna go forever... any thoughts?