Legal Question in Immigration Law in Massachusetts

Re: citizenship - immigration

It will depend on the institution and what are you applying for. It is usually the person's responsibility to show proof of citizenship (or valid work authorization or legal status), not the institution (just because you have a social security number doesn't necessarily mean you are a US citizen). For example, many employers ask for I-9 verification, even to citizens who were born in the USA. When applying for a passport, even US born citizens are sometimes given the run-around with the documents like birth certificates, etc. to prove their citizenship. Don't take it personal- many times institutions give a hard time to everyone, including citizens born in US soil!

Re: citizenship - immigration

You do not have to carry your certificate of naturalization, of course not. And someday most of us citizens will have to carry our passport in our back pockets, but until then, there is no reason that the school cannot check -- they are able to check on student statuses, no reason they can't check your status. They are simply lazy. If I could take time right now, in the state of MA, I would probably advise the school that your naturalization as a citizen does not give anyone the right to now treat you different from a citizen born in this country. Maybe you ought to give them a jolt -- I will bet if you told them you were being treated unequally, they may think about what they are doing. Lastly, ask them to show you the regulations that requires more than a driver's license to prove eligibility to register for classes. Sorry I am not in MA, but this would have been an interesting case. Take care and I understand your frustration.