PowerPoint Presentation

United States CitizenshipA 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 priorityObtain citizenship for children under 18 years of age.

More reasonsApply 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?

4Eligibility, 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?

Recommend an ESL class at the library if the student needs work in English literacy. 5Helpful WebsitesFor English language instruction in your communitywww.literacydirectory.org/For study guides in U.S. history and civicswww.uscis.gov/citizenshiptest

Naturalization Eligibility WorksheetForm M-480

This form is a step by step check list of naturalization requirements. I would have some of these on hand and help walk students through as well as show them how to access on line. This is a 4-page worksheet. 7FORM M-480http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/Citizenship%20&%20Naturalization%20Based%20Resources/A%20Guide%20to%20Naturalization/PDFs/M-480.pdf4 pagestakes you through the process of determining your eligibility for citizenship8What is the purpose of M-480?To determine if you are eligibleDo NOT send this to USCISDo NOT use this if you are under 18 Answer TRUE or NOT TRUEIf you think you are eligible, go to Form N-400Children under age 18 must file the form N-6009How to Apply?www.uscis.govU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

N-400 Application for Naturalization

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/n-400.pdf

Or call1-800-870-3676to get the form mailed to youThis form is 10 pages long. I would have some of these available to help folks with the information. 11FeesFee for filing your application$595.00Biometric services fee$ 85.00(for having your fingerprints taken) _______Total fee:$680.00

You must send a check or money order to the Department of Homeland Security.DO NOT SEND CASH

If you are applying for Naturalization based on your own service in the U.S. Armed forces, you do not have to pay a filing fee. Your application fee is not refundable. 12What else do you need?

2 identical passport-type color photosPrinted on glossy paperWith a white or light backgroundUnretouchedSize 2 x 2Taken within 30 days of filingWrite your name and Alien Registration Number on the back of each photoIf your religion requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features must be exposed. 13What else do you need?A photo copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card

The permanent resident card may also be known as the green card or Alien Registration card

14What 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

Applicants 75 years or older are exempt from the fingerprinting and biometrics feethey pay $59515Mail Form N-400 to:USCIS Dallas Lockbox FacilityUSCISPO 660060Dallas, TX 75266

With:your checkPhotocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card2 color photographs

IF your current legal name is different from the name on your permanent resident card, senda copy of the document that legally changed your name, like.

Marriage certificateDivorce decreeCourt document

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

If your spouse was previously married, you need evidence of termination of all prior marriages. 18IF you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by the policeSend 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 returnRent 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 registrationwww.sss.gov

If you are currently in the U.S. military and are seeking citizenship based on that, you must send an original Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. 21Income Tax FormsSend certified tax returns for the last 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)www.irs.gov form 4506-T

Did you SIGN your Form N-400?

YAY!WHATS 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 fingerprintedYou can check the status of your application at www.uscis.gov or 1-800-375-5283

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 formand she may ask additional questions as well

The officer may ask questions about:Trips outside the U.S.Past marriagesProblems with the lawMilitary service in the U.S.Allegiance to the U.S. government

Be sure to bring any supporting documents related to these issues.29History and Civics Test

Questions are asked orally; you must answer 6/10 correctlySample 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

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.acfc8bb2d633f506e34f4a10526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=64f22cac1551b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=5efcebb7d4ff8210VgnVCM10000025e6a00aRCRDMore help

Practice on-line

All of these resources are FREE at USCIS.gov

And they are available in 6 languages!USCIS.gov

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 www.uscis.gov

www.uscis.gov/citizenshipsessions

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. www.uscis.gov/natzguide

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is the form you will use to apply for U.S. citizenship. www.uscis.gov/n-400

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. www.uscis.gov/n-600 www.uscis.gov/n-600k

To update your address with USCIS, file Form AR-11, Change of Address. www.uscis.gov/addresschange