Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview, 9th Edition

Length: 344 pages
Edition: 9
Language: English
Publisher: Nolo
Publication Date: 2019-09-24
ISBN-10: 1413326757
ISBN-13: 9781413326758
Sales Rank: #277973 (See Top 100 Books)

Everything you need to become a naturalized U.S. citizen

The sooner a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen, the sooner he or she gains a host of benefits: the right to vote and apply for certain federal jobs, faster immigration for family, protection against deportation or new anti-immigration legislation, and more.

But the application process itself can be long and confusing―and at worst, create a risk of deportation. With Becoming a U.S. Citizen, you can save months, or even years, and avoid complications.

Learn how to:

make sure you are eligible for citizenship
understand the risks and rewards of applying
fill out application forms
study for the citizenship exam
interview successfully, and
deal with any setbacks.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen also shows you how to ask for a reduced fee or take advantage of special exceptions if you have a disability, are in the military, or are the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

The 9th edition is updated with the latest laws, procedures, and government policies. It includes sample forms, handy checklists, and a study guide to the citizenship exam.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Readers should take note that a new version of the Form N-400 application for citizenship came out in September 2019, subsequent to this book’s printing. Fortunately it’s almost identical: the same questions in the same order. Thus the instructions in Nolo’s book are still valid. However, please take note of a printing error in this ninth edition. While the instructions correctly explain that only certain types of people can safely answer “No” to any of Questions 45-50 in Part 12 of the form (asking about things like support for the Constitution and willingness to serve in U.S. armed forces), and that most people should answer “Yes” to all, the sample form shows “X” marks in the “No” column. Readers should disregard this portion of the sample. For more info check the update here:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-updates/new-n-400-naturalization-application-form-required-by-uscis.html

Your Companion on the Path to U.S. Citizenship
1 Deciding Whether to Apply for Citizenship
A. The Disadvantages of Applying for Citizenship
B. The Advantages of U.S. Citizenship
2 Are You Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?
A. Confirming Your Permanent Resident Status
B. Your Physical Location During Permanent Residency
C. The Age Requirement
D. Demonstrating Good Moral Character
E. English Language Skills
F. The U.S. History and Government Exam
G. Loyalty to the U.S.
H. Overview: Are You Ready to Apply?
3 Preparing and Submitting Your Application
A. What You’ll Put in Your Application Packet
B. Preparing Your Cover Letter
C. Filling Out USCIS Form N-400
D. Submitting the Application
4 Between Filing and Interview: Dealing With the Wait
A. Improving Your Eligibility for Citizenship
B. Tracking Your Application and Dealing With Delays
C. If You Move or Travel
D. Requesting Emergency Attention
E. When All Else Fails, Call Your U.S. Congressperson
5 Preparing for the English Exam
A. How Much English You’ll Need to Know
B. How USCIS Tests Your English
C. Study Resources
6 Preparing for the U.S. History and Government Exam
A. Your Exam Preparation Strategy
B. Learning the Answers to the 100 Questions
C. The 20 Questions for Applicants Age 65 and Older
7 Overcoming Disability When Applying for Citizenship
A. How to Become the Applicant’s Designated Representative
B. Accommodating a Disability
C. Obtaining a Disability-Based Waiver of the Exam Requirements
D. Requesting a Waiver of the Oath of Allegiance Requirement
8 The Interview
A. Final Preparation
B. The Naturalization Interview
C. If the Interview Goes Badly
D. Approval or Denial: What’s Next?
9 Denials, Appeals, and Repeat Interviews
A. Retaking the Exams
B. Providing More Documents
C. Choosing to Appeal or Reapply
D. How to Appeal
E. What to Do If You Lose the Appeal
F. Reapplying for Citizenship
10 Legal Help Beyond This Book
A. When Do You Need a Lawyer?
B. Gather Names of Prospective Attorneys
C. Avoid Sleazy Lawyers
D. Choosing Among Lawyers
E. Signing Up Your Lawyer
F. Firing Your Lawyer
G. Do-It-Yourself Legal Research
11 After You Are Approved
A. The Swearing-In Ceremony
B. How to Prove Your U.S. Citizenship
C. Registering to Vote in U.S. Elections
D. Citizenship for Your Children
E. Helping Other Family Members Immigrate
Glossary
Words You Need to Know
Index