Category Archives: Immigration

When a Legal Permanent Resident applies for naturalization to obtain U.S. Citizen status, they must show that they are familiar with the English language and American Civics (unless they qualify for an exemption or waiver). During the naturalization interview, before an immigration official, they must correctly answer at least 6 questions from the civics test to pass the test.

The USCIS publishes several study tools to help you prepare for the test. Please see the link below for a list of the 100 questions that may appear on the test. The USCIS site has links to flashcards, audio, and other study materials that may assist you.

Study Materials for the Civics Test

There are a limited number of instances when a Legal Permanent Resident may be able to take the test in their native language and it depends on how long you have resided in the U.S. and when you became a legal permanent resident.

Additional Reading:

Study Materials for the English Test – USCIS website

N-400 (Naturalization) Instructions

Are you applying for an immigration benefit?

Would you like to obtain a copy of the file maintained by Immigration?

Want to see documentation regarding your immigration history to the U.S.?

If so, you may make a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request directly to U.S.C.I.S. and obtain a copy of your file.

Contact me and I can help you request your records.

Additional Reading:

The Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, As Amended By Public Law No. 104-231, 110 Stat. 3048 (Jan 1, 1996) (http://www.justice.gov/oip/blog/foia-update-freedom-information-act-5-usc-sect-552-amended-public-law-no-104-231-110-stat)

1. You can vote.

When you vote, you are using your voice. With your vote, you can tell elected officials and lawmakers how you feel about immigration and other important issues that affect your family.  If you don’t vote, you let others vote for what they believe in and you may not like the result.

2. Bring certain family members to this country.

U.S. Citizens are able to petition selected members that Legal Permanent Residents don’t have the ability to.

3.  You can get a U.S. Passport and travel with less restrictions.

U.S. Citizens don’t have a set time limit to the length of time that they travel abroad, like Legal Permanent Residents do.

4. You can apply for state and federal jobs.

Some jobs in the Federal Government are only available to U.S. Citizens.

5. You don’t have to keep renewing your legal permanent residency card.

Legal Permanent Residents must renew their Green Card every 10 (ten) years. U.S. Citizens do not need to renew their Citizenship Certificate.

For more information on fees and forms on becoming a U.S. Citizen, go to http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-naturalization