How
Difficult is it to Become a Citizen?
Read through the details of the citizenship process.
- Identify two steps of the process that you consider most
essential. For each of these steps, explain why that step
is so important.
- Identify two steps of the process that you consider least
essential. For each of these steps, explain why that step
is not very important.
Before Applying
Candidates for naturalization must have been a permanent resident
for the past five years, or three years if married to a U.S.
citizen. An applicant must also be a person of "good moral
character."
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Examples of actions that might show a lack of good moral
character:
- Lying to gain immigration benefits
- Illegal gambling
- Failure to pay court-ordered child-support or alimony
payments
- Habitual drunkenness/drunken driving
- Abuse of controlled substances
- Prostitution
- Polygamy
- Any crime against a person with intent to harm
- Terrorist acts
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Applying
- Complete the ten-page
Application for Naturalization (Form N_ 400)
- Have two photographs taken.
- Collect other necessary documents.
- A photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident Card
- A check or money order for the $260 processing fee
Other documents that may be required:
- Proof that a spouse has been a legal resident for at least
three years
- A marriage certificate
- Proof of termination of a previous marriage
- Certification of military service
- Copies of court or government orders to provide financial
support
- Official records involving prior criminal charges
- Income tax returns
- Letter from a church attesting to applicant's "good
moral character"
- Send the application, photos, documents, and fee to the appropriate
service center.
- Receive an appointment letter from the INS for fingerprinting.
If six months pass, your documents likely have been lost and
you must reapply.
- Get fingerprints taken for FBI criminal background check.
- Wait for INS to schedule an interview; the wait can often
be longer than a year.
- Receive an appointment for an interview. Applicants must take
an English test to prove they can read, write, and speak English.
They must also take a civics test. Applicants may be required
by INS to provide additional documents.
- Decision, with three possible outcomes:
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Granted: In some cases, the oath ceremony can take
place the same day.
If granted, the candidate will:
- Receive a ceremony date to take the oath.
- Return the Permanent Resident Card.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance, renouncing allegiance
to any foreign state or sovereignty.
- Receive the Certificate of Naturalization.
Continued: Case is put on hold. Common reasons
are failing the English and civics tests or failing to give
the INS the needed documents.
Denied: There is an administrative review process
for applicants who are denied. |
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Philip P. Pan, "Naturalization: An Unnatural Process
Series: LA NUEVA |
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VIDA;
The Road to Citizenship; Third in an occasional series"
The |
| Washington
Post, Washington, D.C., Jul 4, 2000, p. A.1. |
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