Actually there are more are more immigrants who desire an American citizenship but the process, as we know, is not easy to complete but it is totally worth it.
After the applicant submit the Form N-400 and are fingerprinted with high security biometric system, the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) schedule an appointment for an interview where the immigrants will be tested.
In that interview all data filed on Form N-400 is checked. In the process the government makes the applicant swear to be attached to the truth, and check that everything is in order, allowing then for the applicant to take a written and an oral test.
During the interview, the USCIS agent or employee raises questions about the application and background of the petitioner. Completed, the immigrant proceeds to take an English and civics test.
The English test has three components, the agency explains: reading, writing and oral. Proof of citizenship, highlights issues of history and the US government.
The exam
The citizenship exam consists of 100 questions which are aimed at American history and its form of government. For instance:
– Who is the president of the Supreme Court?
– How many legislators does the House of Representatives have?
– In the absence of the president and the vice president, who takes command of the executive branch?
– How many amendments does the Constitution have?
– Which one is the economic system of the United States?
– What does the 1st. Amendment of the Constitution state?
– Name the several Native American tribes.
– Who was the first president of the United States?
– In what year was the Constitution signed?
– What’s the name of The National Anthem?
Exceptions
The Citizenship test is a mandatory test. But there are exceptions explained in the language in which the test is take that can work for some immigrants:
– Those who are 50 years old or older at the time of applying for citizenship and have lived as permanent residents for over 20 years (50/20 rule);
– Those who are 55 or older at the time of applying for citizenship and have lived as permanent residents for over 15 years (55/15 rule).
Both groups may apply to the USCIS for the examination to be performed in their native language. But they must bring an interpreter who speaks fluent English.
Once the exam is answered…
If the applicant answers the questions correctly, the agent in charge of the process tells him/her that he/she has won the US citizenship.
Following this, applicants receive a date for the ceremony of inauguration as a citizen.
The oath
Once sworn applicants as American citizens they will then be able register to vote and manage the passports as a citizen of the United States.
The sworn declares:
“I hereby declare, on oath, That I absolutely renounce and abjure Entirely and all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of Whom or Which I have heretofore Been a subject or citizen; That I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America Against all enemies, foreign and domestic; That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; That I will bear arms on Behalf of the United States When required by the law; That I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States When required by the law; That I will perform work of national Importance under civilian direction When required by the law; and That I Take This obligation mind freely without any reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. “
On the USCIS, in addition, there are useful tools to follow the process from start to finish.
It is very important to remember that the advice of a qualified processes as citizens choose counsel is paramount, in Beltran Brito LLP have a long way advising immigrants to opt for a work visa or green card and helping them understand the complex and variant immigration law. Visit here for more details.