Citizenship and Naturaliztion
Immigrants coming to America
History of Citizenship: Ellis Island
The Process
- Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.
2. Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.
You qualify if you are over 18 or have been living in the U.S. for 5 years or more.
3. Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
If you meet the requirements of a U.S. citizen you are required to download and complete a N-400 form. This website thas the link to the form. http://www.uscis.gov/n-400
4. Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Once you submit the form you will get a receipt notice in the mail.
5. Go to the bio metrics appointment, if applicable
The FBI needs to see if you have a criminal background and a fingerprint.
6. Complete the interview
This test consists of 4 parts; English, Reading, Civics, Writing. There are 100 civics questions but you will only need to answer 6 of them. The reading test makes you read one of 3 sentences aloud to prove you can read English. Passing the English test is determined by an USCIS officer. Writing makes you write one of 3 sentences in English.
7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
You will be either granted of denied.
8.Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
9.Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
This finalizes the road to become a citizen until you say the oath. Make sure you don't miss the date!
10. Understand U.S. citizenship
Rights • 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 • Support and defend the U.S. 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
For more info go to http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/files/M-1051.pdf