How to Become a U.S. Citizen Tests and Interview Process What to Teach Citizenship training

U.s. Citizenship Federal Grant Two year grant—October 2015-October 2017 We are partnered with the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (NCLC) close to downtown located at 3333 N. Meridian St. #201. Students receive free legal services with citizenship through the Clinic. 200+ students Students must have a green card for 3 or more years to be counted for the grant. Students need to get gains in TABE or TABE Clas-E.

Citizenship Team Lara Pastore—grant writer and supervisor over citizenship program Amy Galullo—communication liaison between Washington Township and NCLC; screens students Michelle Shewan—teacher and screens students Robin Minturn—teacher Chrissy Matthews—creates curriculum and supports teachers

How to become a citizen There are two ways to become a citizen: By birth By naturalization Children under 18 automatically become citizens when their parents receive citizenship through naturalization

Benefits of citizenship Voting Bringing family members to the United States Obtaining citizenship for children Traveling with a U.S. passport Eligible for federal jobs Becoming an elected official No Longer at Risk for Deportation Financial Aid

Requirements for citizenship Must be 18 years or older Be a lawful permanent resident—this means students have a permanent resident card (also called a green card) Have a green card for 5 years or more OR 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen Have demonstrated continuous permanent residence and physical presence Have lived in Indiana for at least 3 months Have good moral character

Tests and interview process To become a citizen, people will need to pass these English and civics tests: Listening/Speaking Reading Writing Civics

Listening and speaking For the listening and speaking part, the officers will ask the students about their information on their N-400 forms. They must be able to understand the commands and questions and respond appropriately. Examples: Please remain standing. Please be seated. What is your given name? Have you ever traveled outside the U.S. in the last five years?

Reading test For the reading test, students only need to read one sentence correctly. Students get three chances. Many of the sentences they need to read are actually questions, so they really need to practice the words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. Examples of sentences: Where is the Statue of Liberty? Who is the Father of Our Country? When is Independence Day?

Writing test For the writing test, the officers will dictate sentences to the students. The students need to write only one sentence correctly to pass. They have three chances. Examples of sentences: Labor Day is in September. The colors of the flag are red, white, and blue. The President lives in the White House.

Civics test There are 100 questions that students have to study. The questions include topics about U.S. history, government, holidays, geography, and American symbols. The officer will ask the students any 10 of them. The students must answer 6 correctly to pass. The list of questions and correct answers are in your binder.

Resources for teaching United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has EVERYTHING! www.uscis.gov/citizenship Books: Voices of Freedom and Citizenship Passing the Test