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Do you have what it takes to become a citizen? Sample some questions. |
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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.
Authentic patriotism : restoring America's founding ideals through selfless action
Stephen P. Kiernan.
New York : St. Martin's Press, 2010.
A provocative, inspiring account of our neglected American ideals and the people who are living them today—and restoring our nationrsquo;s dreamPatriotism has become a loaded word: one that is wielded against people with whom we might disagree, or whose cultural origins donrsquo;t match our own.But our founding fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others—saw patriotism as a dynamic force: an act of service, in an evolving nation that defined its purpose by offering all people a better way of life.InAuthentic Patriotism,author and award-winning journalist Stephen P. Kiernan explores the original ideals that have been lost in our current climate, where war and economic turmoil have eroded our sense of civic obligation. Kiernan describes ldquo;a nation adrift,rdquo; out of touch with its origins—and then introduces a range of inspiring people who have revived our national purpose by taking action:• The out-of-work college graduate who led an economic and environmental renewal of her blighted home community.• The retired executive who pioneered a revolutionary concept in health care for people without insurance.• The minister who created a legendary choir, with the goal of uniting children of different races, genders, and classes in one voice.• The family who donated their daughterrsquo;s heart, so that another might live.These and other ldquo;New Americansrdquo; are profiled in a book that offers hope, ideas, examples, and practical resources for readers who want to renew the American spirit.
Citizenship in America and Europe : beyond the nation-state?
Michael S. Greve and Michael Zöller, editors.
Washington, D.C. : AEI Press, 2009.
Traditional notions of citizenship are linked to the idea of the democratic nation-state, a sovereign entity capable of defending itself against foreign and domestic enemies. But these notions have become increasingly problematic as the very concept of the nation-state is challenged, not only by ethnic and religious conflicts, but also by increased global mobility and the political integration of nation-states into international organizations-most prominently, the European Union. Will the concept of citizenship as we knew it survive the decline of the nation-state?
Becoming American under fire : Irish Americans, African Americans, and the politics of citizenship during the Civil War era
Christian G. Samito.
Ithaca : Cornell University Press, 2009.
Includes bibliographical references 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.
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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". |
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(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...".
More about citizenship
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
