United States Naturalization
Brenna Colley, Pamela Jimenez and Trevor Rogers
Where to go to become a citizen:
You can fill out and application online, found at http://www.uscis.gov/n-400 , and depending on where you live you can turn in your application to a immigration service center or you can mail it to the center.
Requirements of becoming a citizen
1. Be 18 or older at the time of filing
2. Be a green card holder for at least 5 years
3. Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application
4. Have continuous residence in the United States as a green card holder for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
5. Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
6. Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization
7. Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
8. Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law
Application process:
1. Fill out an application
2. Submit your application
3. Prepare for an interview
4. Have your naturalization interview
5. If approved, you’ll be scheduled for a swearing-in ceremony.
6. You’re not a citizen until you’re sworn in.
Interview with an Immigration Official
2 – Wait for attorney
3 – Dress appropriately
4 – Listen to the questions being given and respond in an appropriate matter
5 – Bring an interpreter
6 – Bring set of original documents with a duplicate set
7 – More is always betterCitizenship Ceremony
2 types of ceremonies
- Judicial ceremony, court administrators “the Oath of Allegiance”
- Administrative ceremony, USCIS administrators “the Oath of Allegiance”
1. Receive a notice to take the Oath
The notice will contain location, time and date for the scheduled ceremony. If you can not attend the ceremony you must leave a notice for them explaining why you are not available and telling them a new rescheduled date that works with your schedule. If fail to attend, the ceremony may become invalid
2. Check in at Ceremony
Complete all your responses before you arrive. Check in with a USCIS office and he/she will review your questionnaire responses
3. Return your permanent Resident Card
This is a major necessity to return your card. Since you are now receiving you’re your Certificate of Naturalization after this Oath of Allegiance ceremony, you will no longer need a PRC.
4. Take the Oath
5. Receive certificate of Naturalization
If you lose your certificate you can request the USCIS to replace it and send you a new one after filling a form application for a replacement document.Rights You Gain As A New Citizen
Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Responsibilities You gain as a new citizen
Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise.
BRIAN ACTON
The WhatsApp co-founder, 37, was born in Ukraine. He arrived in the U.S. when he was just 16 years old, and his family lived on food stamps.
On Feb. 19, Facebook announced it would buy WhatsApp for a shocking 19 billion cash and stock. Forbes estimates that Korum holds about a 45% stake in the company, which would make him worth about $6.8 billion. That's a long way from his early days in America.