United States Citizenship A power point presentation in partial completion of requirements for ILS 504 Fall 2012 By Martha Blume

Why become a U.S. Citizen? Vote. Serve on a jury. Travel with a U.S. passport. Bring family members to the U.S. –citizens usually get priority Obtain citizenship for children under 18 years of age.

More reasons… Apply for federal jobs. Become an elected official. Keep your residency. Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Obtain government benefits.

Are you eligible? 18 years or older? Permanent resident (have a “green card”) for at least 5 years? Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. Citizen)? Physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years? Lived for at least 3 months in the state where you claim residence?

Eligibility, continued Read, write, and speak basic English? Basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics)? A person of good moral character? Support the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution?

Helpful Websites For English language instruction in your community For study guides in U.S. history and civics

Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Form M-480

FORM M nship%20&%20Naturalization%20Based%20R esources/A%20Guide%20to%20Naturalization /PDFs/M-480.pdf nship%20&%20Naturalization%20Based%20R esources/A%20Guide%20to%20Naturalization /PDFs/M-480.pdf

What is the purpose of M-480? To determine if you are eligible Do NOT send this to USCIS Do NOT use this if you are under 18 Answer “TRUE” or “NOT TRUE” If you think you are eligible, go to Form N-400

How to Apply? U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

N-400 Application for Naturalization n-400.pdf Or call to get the form mailed to you

Fees Fee for filing your application$ Biometric services fee$ (for having your fingerprints taken) _______ Total fee:$ You must send a check or money order to the Department of Homeland Security. DO NOT SEND CASH

What else do you need? 2 identical passport-type color photos – Printed on glossy paper – With a white or light background – Unretouched – Size 2” x 2” – Taken within 30 days of filing – Write your name and Alien Registration Number on the back of each photo

What else do you need? A photo copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card

What else? A check or money order for $680 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security Write your A-number on the back of the check

Mail Form N-400 to: USCIS Dallas Lockbox Facility USCIS PO Dallas, TX With: your check Photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card 2 color photographs

IF your current legal name is different from the name on your permanent resident card, send a copy of the document that legally changed your name, like…. – Marriage certificate – Divorce decree – Court document

IF you are applying for residency based on marriage to a U.S. Citizen, provide copies of: Your current marriage certificate AND Proof of termination of any previous marriages of your spouse AND Evidence that your spouse has been a US citizen for the last three years AND Documents referring to you and your spouse, like tax returns If YOU were married before, send proof of termination of all previous marriages.

IF you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by the police Send original court-certified documents that show the court disposition of the case and verify whatever outcomes for all arrests and detentions If you were put on probation, send evidence that you completed your probation.

IF you traveled outside the U.S. for 6 months or more since becoming a permanent resident, send documents to show you plan to reside in the U.S., like: An IRS tax return Rent or mortgage payments

Are you a man between ages 18 and 26? You must register for Selective Service (the draft) and provide proof of your registration

Income Tax Forms Send certified tax returns for the last 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) form 4506-T

Did you SIGN your Form N-400?

YAY!

WHAT’S NEXT? You wait, an average of 6 months, for your forms to be processed. USCIS will let you know where you need to go to be fingerprinted You can check the status of your application at or

The Naturalization Interview Receive an appointment for your interview. Go to your local USCIS office at the specified time. Bring state-issued identification, Permanent Resident Card, and any additional documents specific to your case. Answer questions about your application and background. Take the English and civics tests. Receive case status.

The Naturalization Interview

The officer will continue to ask you questions about your N-400 form…and she may ask additional questions as well

The officer may ask questions about: Trips outside the U.S. Past marriages Problems with the law Military service in the U.S. Allegiance to the U.S. government

History and Civics Test Questions are asked orally; you must answer 6/10 correctly

Sample Test Questions: 1-Who was the first president of the U.S.? 2-Where is the Statue of Liberty?

3-How many Senators are there in the U.S. Senate? 4-What was one issue that led to the Civil War?

Where to get help em.acfc8bb2d633f506e34f4a10526e0aa0/?vg nextoid=64f22cac1551b210VgnVCM ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=5efcebb7d4ff821 0VgnVCM e6a00aRCRD

More help…

Practice on-line

All of these resources are FREE at USCIS.gov USCIS.gov And they are available in 6 languages!

Reading Test You must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.

Writing Test You must write one out of three sentences correctly.

Application Granted!

You take the Oath of Allegiance

You are a citizen of the U.S.!

Helpful Resources Form M-476, A Guide to Naturalization provides information on the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, an overview of the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, and what to expect at your naturalization interview. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is the form you will use to apply for U.S. citizenship. If you believe you are already a U.S. citizen, determine if you are eligible to file Form N- 600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship or Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate. To update your address with USCIS, file Form AR-11, Change of Address.