Your U.S. Citizenship Guide: What You Need to Know to Pass Your U.S. Citizenship Test
By Anita Biase
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About this ebook
Citizenship in the United States is the legal status given to a legal member of the country. It involves rights, duties, and privileges and is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow on a person and the most important immigration benefit that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can grant. The road map outlined in this new book will help foreign nationals apply for citizenship and will lead those seeking citizenship to the fastest and easiest way to do so.
With the guidance of this new and up-to-date book you will learn about the application instructions, procedures, required forms, eligibility information, application requirements, waivers, exceptions, special cases, the naturalization process, application forms, immigration forms, certificates of naturalization, and dual citizenship.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable about the principles of the U.S. Constitution, favorable disposition toward the United States, the benefits of being a citizen, and the responsibilities of being a citizen. You will be provided with information on the interview, sample test questions and answers, a list of all USCIS offices nationwide, a list of U.S. embassies and consulates, and everything else you will need to know to become a United States citizen in no time at all, including how to pass the citizenship test. The companion CD-ROM is not available for download with this electronic version of the book but it may be obtained separately by contacting Atlantic Publishing Group at sales@atlantic-pub.com
Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president’s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.
This Atlantic Publishing eBook was professionally written, edited, fact checked, proofed and designed. The print version of this book is 288 pages and you receive exactly the same content. Over the years our books have won dozens of book awards for content, cover design and interior design including the prestigious Benjamin Franklin award for excellence in publishing. We are proud of the high quality of our books and hope you will enjoy this eBook version.
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Your U.S. Citizenship Guide - Anita Biase
Your U.S. Citizenship Guide
What You Need to Know to Pass Your U.S. Citizenship Test
By Anita Biase
This Atlantic Publishing eBook was professionally written, edited, fact checked, proofed and designed. Over the years our books have won dozens of book awards for content, cover design and interior design including the prestigious Benjamin Franklin award for excellence in publishing. We are proud of the high quality of our books and hope you will enjoy this eBook version, which is the same content as the print version.
Your U.S. Citizenship Guide: What You need to Know to pass Your U.S. Citizenship Test
Copyright © 2009 by Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 SW 6th Ave. • Ocala, Florida 34471 • 800-814-1132 • 352-622-1875–Fax Web site: www.atlantic-pub.com • E-mail: sales@atlantic-pub.com
SAN Number: 268-1250
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be sent to Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc., 1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34471.
ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-135-4 ISBN-10: 1-60138-135-2
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Biase, Anita, 1946-
Your U.S. citizenship guide : what you need to know to pass your U.S. citizenship test/ by Anita Biase.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-1-60138-135-4 (alk. paper) ISBN-10: 1-60138-135-2 (alk. paper)
1. Naturalization--United States. 2. Citizenship--United States. 3. Emigration and immigration law--United States. I. Title.
KF4710.B53 2008
342.7308’3--dc22
2008005886
LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Web site is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Web site may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Web sites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.
The companion CD-ROM is not available for download with this electronic version of the book but it may be obtained separately by contacting Atlantic Publishing Group at sales@atlantic-pub.com
A few years back we lost our beloved pet dog Bear, who was not only our best and dearest friend but also the Vice President of Sunshine
here at Atlantic Publishing. He did not receive a salary but worked tirelessly 24 hours a day to please his parents.
Bear was a rescue dog who turned around and showered myself, my wife, Sherri, his grandparents Jean, Bob, and Nancy, and every person and animal he met (well, maybe not rabbits) with friendship and love. He made a lot of people smile every day.
We wanted you to know a portion of the profits of this book will be donated in Bear’s memory to local animal shelters, parks, conservation organizations, and other individuals and nonprofit organizations in need of assistance.
– Douglas and Sherri Brown
PS: We have since adopted two more rescue dogs: first Scout, and the following year, Ginger. They were both mixed golden retrievers who needed a home.
Want to help animals and the world? Here are a dozen easy suggestions you and your family can implement today:
• Adopt and rescue a pet from a local shelter.
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Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: Before You Begin Your Journey
Chapter 2: What Does Citizenship Involve?
Chapter 3: Are You Eligible to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Chapter 4: Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
Chapter 5: Methods for Obtaining a Green Card
Chapter 6: Form N-400
Chapter 7: The Interview
Chapter 8: Learning About American History & Government
Chapter 9: English Skills
Chapter 10: The U.S. Constitution
Chapter 11: The New Citizenship Exam
Chapter 12: Case Studies
Appendix A: Countries Approving Dual Citizenship
Appendix B: USCIS Service Centers
Appendix C: Immigration Acts
Appendix D: New Information and Proposed Legislation
Appendix E: USCIS Fee Schedule
Appendix F: Presidents
Appendix G: The Constitution
Appendix H: The Amendments
Appendix I: Test Answers
Bibliography
Author Biography
Glossary
More Books
Foreword
By Andrea R. Jacobs, Esq.
America is indeed the land of opportunity! Thus, many foreign-born nationals endeavor to immigrate here and to eventually become U.S. citizens. However, the immigration process can be long and arduous for some people. Your U.S. Citizen Guide is a user-friendly handbook which can greatly simplify the naturalization process.
I have been an immigration attorney for almost 20 years, and I can honestly say that this book will help anyone with a simple naturalization case. Of course, anyone who does not understand the forms or the process should consult with an immigration attorney for specific legal advice regarding their case and this is especially true if the person was ever convicted of any crime. Applying for naturalization with a criminal record could lead to a removal process which may very well strip the individual of their residency.
The basis for our naturalization process is good moral character.
If an applicant can demonstrate this trait over the five year period preceding their application, then chances are that they will become a U.S. citizen. In order to prove good moral character, Immigration looks at such characteristics as criminal records, timely child support payment history, and payment of federal and state income taxes.
Another important factor in determining eligibility for citizenship is physical presence. An applicant must be present for more than half of the prescribed residency period. For a naturalization applicant who must be a resident for five years before applying, this prescribed period is more than thirty months. The actual days must be calculated, and the applicant cannot be out of the country for more than six months at any one time, except in limited circumstances. Many applications are denied each year due to improper calculations.
Your U.S. Citizen Guide gives the one hundred most often used examination questions. The officer at the interview will ask the applicant to orally answer six or seven of these questions. If the applicant answers these questions correctly, the officer will move onto the written portion by asking the applicant to write one sentence in English. Many of my clients have anxiety about the examination, but in the past 18 years, I have not had any client fail this component.
In conclusion, use this handbook as a tool to help you prepare for your naturalization process. You should always check with the USCIS to ensure you have the latest version of the form and the correct mailing address. If you have any issues or questions, check with an immigration lawyer. Welcome to the land of opportunity!
Andrea R. Jacobs, Esq.
Immigration Attorney
Andrea R. Jacobs, P.A.
11555 Heron Bay Blvd. Suite 102
Coral Springs, FL 33076
(800)424-7745
andrea@arjlaw.com
www.arjlaw.com
Andrea R. Jacobs, Esquire is the founding attorney of Andrea R. Jacobs, P.A. located in Coral Springs, Florida. Her practice focuses on immigration law and bankruptcy law. Jacobs is a member of the Florida Bar. She is also a member of The United States District Court for The Southern District of Florida.
Prior to starting her own firm in 1993, Jacobs was associated with The Law Offices of Ellen M. Law, P.A., Atlas, Pearlman & Trop, P.A. and Smith & Berman, P.A. also located in South Florida. During 1988 and 1989, Jacobs worked in the legal department of the Dole Fresh Fruit Company.
Originally from Rockland County, New York, Jacobs attended high school in Coral Springs, Florida. Jacobs received her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from The Honors College at the University of Miami where she majored in English with a minor in Business Administration. Jacobs then attended the University of Florida, College of Law in Gainesville, Florida where her studies included curriculum in the fields of corporate, estate, family law, and tax law. Jacobs received her degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1990.
Jacobs is a member of The American Immigration Lawyers Association, The Florida Bar Association, The Broward Resource League, The American Bar Association, The Florida Association of Women Lawyers, The University of Florida Alumni Association, and Phi Kappa Phi Honorary.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations! You have joined the legions of individuals who prefer to do their own legal work. You will learn much, and save time and money. The information in this book will be helpful and will serve as a map to lead you through the naturalization process. Be sure to read it carefully, and pay attention to detail. There are some drawbacks to the do-it-yourself method, but the majority of applicants will have no difficulty at all. Their application will be submitted, it will be processed in a timely manner, and the outcome will be a happy and positive one.
Some applicants’ circumstances are not so simple. If you have a complicated situation, you might want to consider consulting an attorney or a paralegal. If you do decide to seek legal assistance, it is important to find an attorney who is an authority on the laws regarding immigration and citizenship. Your local bar association will be happy to provide you with referrals, or you can gather recommendations from friends and relatives.
This book will take you through the steps of becoming a U.S. citizen. Citizenship is the legal status bestowed on members of the United States by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Naturalized citizens have the same rights, duties, and privileges as those who achieve citizenship by birth.
The process of applying for naturalization is often complicated. Just understanding the eligibility requirements and finding the correct category can be daunting and is not for the faint of heart. This book will serve as a blueprint and will help those applying for U.S. citizenship to do so in an organized and sequential manner.
This new book will inform you about the eligibility rules, provide instructions concerning the application forms, and help you prepare for the interview and the citizenship tests. You will read a study guide on the principles of the U.S. Constitution. You will improve your English and become knowledgeable about the United States and about the benefits and responsibilities of being a citizen. After receiving application instructions, sample test questions, and information about the interview, you will find yourself taking the Oath of Citizenship in record time.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Before You Begin Your Journey
Over 7.5 million applications and petitions are received each year by the United States government. These applications come from people who want to immigrate to the United States, people in the United States that want to become a citizen, people who are trying to gain citizenship for members of their family, and many more.
To process these applications and petitions, the United States created a special devision of the government called the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
What is the USCIS
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), became a division of the United States Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. The department is responsible for the administration of the immigration and naturalization process, including all services, polices, and priorities that relate to immigration and naturalization.
One of the department’s many functions is to process visa petitions, petitions for naturalization, and asylum and refugee applications. The USCIS also manages all other functions related to immigration, including the processing of asylum claims, the administration of immigrant benefits and services, and the issuance of employment authorization documents.
The USCIS consists of over 15,000 federal employees and contractors who staff 250 field offices around the globe.
The USCIS contains many different offices, including The Office of Citizenship and the Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate.
The Office of Citizenship
The Office of Citizenship helps educate immigrates about becoming a U.S. citizen. Not only do they help educate immigrants about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, they also provide them with the necessary tools and information they need to help integrate them successfully into American culture. The Office of Citizenship provides this knowledge when immigrants first become permanent residents of the U.S. and then again when they begin the naturalization process.
The Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate
The Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate (RAIO) oversees, plans, and implements all policies that are related to asylum and refugee issues, and they also help with immigration in foreign countries.
The RAIO contains three distinct divisions: The Refugee Affairs Division, The Asylum Division, and the International Operations Division.
The Refugees Affairs Division
The Refugees Affairs Division partners with the United States Refugee Admission Program to provide humanitarian benefit to refugee resettlement. Refugees are people who flee from a country because of their safety and are unable to return because of perseution or a fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, or membership in a group. This status has to be formally decided by the Refugees Affairs Division before a refugee can be allowed to resettle within the U.S. borders. Refugees are granted legal resident status and are entitled to all rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.
The Asylum Division
The Asylum Division oversees the U.S. affirmative asylum process. This process permits allows individuals who are already in the U.S. or at a U.S. port of entry who are not already in immigration proceedings to request asylum because they are not able or unwilling to