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Becoming a U.S. citizen

Do you have what it takes to become a citizen? Sample some questions.

U.S citizen test

Data from the 2000 Census recorded Missouri's naturalized population at 61,786 residents. That was a naturalization rate of 40.9 percent, slightly higher than the national average rate of 40.1 percent.

Having the right to vote; traveling on a U.S. passport; applying for a U.S. Government job--American citizens are proud of these rights. Those not born in the United States can go through the naturalization process to become a citizen.

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Conviértase en ciudadano Americano
Debbie M. Schell, Richard E. Schell, Kurt A. Wagner.
Naperville, Ill : Sphinx Pub., 2007.
  1. In Spanish.
  2. Translation of: Become U.S. citizen.
  3. Includes index.
     
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McGraw-Hill's U.S. citizenship test with DVD
Karen Hilgeman...[et al].
Dubuque, Iowa : McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning ; London : McGraw-Hill [distributor], c2009.
For the more than 600,000 who apply for U.S. citizenship each year-an innovative program for success on the new N-400 application Thousands apply for United States citizenship annually and face the challenge of doing well not only topics of American history and government, but also on oral questions, reading, and writing in English. "McGraw-Hill's U.S. Citizenship Test" gives you all the help you need in preparing for the new N-400 application. In addition to a comprehensive, fully-illustrated course book, a DVD provides four model interviews that help demystify the process and provide guidance in key language functions, such as asking for clarification and understanding nonverbal cues.
     
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Your U.S. citizenship guide : what you need to know to pass your U.S. citizenship test, with companion CD-ROM
by Anita Biase.
Ocala, Fla. : Atlantic Pub. Group, c2009.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [255]) and index.
     

The first step to becoming a U.S. citizen is to receive a permanent resident (green) card. Then you can apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. The process will include filling out forms, taking a test, being fingerprinted, being proficient in English, and going through an interview.

Learning American history and civics is a necessary step in the naturalization process. During your citizenship interview, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer will first review your U.S. application for naturalization. They may ask for clarifications on your written answers. As well, during this interview they will ask you, either written or oral, questions on American history.

When you have passed your citizenship interview and test, you will still need to officially swear the Oath of Allegiance in front of a judge.

More than half of the nation's legal immigrants are now naturalized citizens, "the highest level in a quarter century and a 15 percent increase since 1990".

(from the Pew Hispanic Center)

New citizens go through the naturalization process for many reasons. Some do it because the United States is the country of their children--a country where they can now vote and serve on jury duty. Still others see it opening opportunities for travel, jobs, and scholarships. Whatever the reason, the new citizens proudly raise their right hand and repeat the Oath of Allegiance, "I hereby declare on oath...".

 

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Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff