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How to Become a U.S. Citizen
How to Become a U.S. Citizen
How to Become a U.S. Citizen
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How to Become a U.S. Citizen

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Peterson's How to Become a U.S. Citizen is the perfect resource to help you pass the U.S. citizenship exam with flying colors! Learn about the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, eligibility requirements, and what's involved in becoming naturalized. Follow step-by-step guidance on applying for U.S. citizenship. Prepare with practice questions for each portion of the new naturalization test, including civics and English speaking, reading, and writing.

Selling Points:

1. Peterson's How to Become a U.S. Citizen offers readers the resources and expert guidance needed to become a U.S. citizen and to master the NEW naturalization test, which went into effect in October 2008.

2. Readers will find comprehensive information on the naturalization application (including citizenship requirements) and ways to prepare for the test, the naturalization interview, and the English and civics tests.

3. Five multiple-choice practice civics tests with answers and explanations, plus 100 practice civics questions, with answers-the exact questions that may be asked during the real oral exam.

4. Anyone thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen will find detailed information on the U.S. immigration system, including essential facts regarding visas (immigrant versus non-immigrant), green cards, and U.S. immigration laws.

5. Sample forms--filled in and blank--allow readers to practice and become familiar with what information is required and what is needed to properly submit the forms, including a complete list of mandatory fees.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherPeterson's
Release dateJul 1, 2011
ISBN9780768933710
How to Become a U.S. Citizen

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    Book preview

    How to Become a U.S. Citizen - Peterson's

    9780768933714.pdf

    How to Become

    a U.S. Citizen

    5th Edition

    Petersons_Publishing.jpgPetersons_Publishing.jpg

    About Peterson’s Publishing

    To succeed on your lifelong educational journey, you will need accurate, dependable, and practical tools and resources. That is why Peterson’s is everywhere education happens. Because whenever and however you need education content delivered, you can rely on Peterson’s to provide the information, know-how, and guidance to help you reach your goals. Tools to match the right students with the right school. It’s here. Personalized resources and expert guidance. It’s here. Comprehensive and dependable education content—delivered whenever and however you need it. It’s all here.

    For more information, contact Peterson’s Publishing, 2000 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648; 800-338-3282 Ext. 54229; or find us online at petersonspublishing.com.

    Petersonspublishing.com/publishingupdates

    Check out our Web site at www.petersonspublishing.com/publishingupdates to see if there is any new information regarding the test and any revisions or corrections to the content of this book. We’ve made sure the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date; however, the test format or content may have changed since the time of publication.

    © 2010 Peterson’s, a Nelnet company

    Previous editions © 2000, 2002

    Facebook® and Facebook logos are registered trademarks of Facebook, Inc. Facebook, Inc. was not involved in the production of this book and makes no endorsement of this product.

    Stephen Clemente, Managing Director, Publishing and Institutional Research; Bernadette Webster, Director of Publishing; Jill C. Schwartz, Editor; Ray Golaszewski, Manufacturing Manager; Linda M. Williams, Composition Manager

    ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, or information storage and retrieval systems—without the prior written permission of the publisher.

    For permission to use material from this text or product, complete the Permission Request Form at www.petersonspublishing.com/permissions.

    ISBN-13: 978-0-7689-3371-0

    ISBN-10: 0-7689-3371-4

    Contents

    TITLE

    ABOUT PETERSONS

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Becoming a U.S. Citizen

    Rights and Benefits

    You’re Well on Your Way to Success

    Give Us Your Feedback

    Part I: The Immigration System

    Chapter 1: A Look at the Immigration System

    Objectives and Goals of the U.S. Immigration System

    Visas: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant

    Chapter 2: Nonimmigrant Visas

    Types of Nonimmigrant Visas

    What U.S. Visitors with Nonimmigrant Visas Need to Know

    Emilia’s Story: Part 1

    Chapter 3: Immigrant Visas: Becoming a Legal Permanent resident

    All About Immigrant Visas

    Green Cards

    Emilia’s Story: Part 2

    Chapter 4: U.S. Immigration Laws

    Past U . S . Immigration Laws

    Recent Immigration Legislation

    Obtaining Legal Assistance

    Part II: The Naturalization Process

    Chapter 5: Naturalization: From Application to Citizen

    What is Naturalization?

    Naturalization Requirements

    How to Prepare

    The Next Important Step: Assembling Your N-400 Packet

    The Final Step: The Naturalization Interview

    Emilia’s Story: Part 3

    Chapter 6: The English and Civics Tests

    Reading and Writing English

    The Civics Portion of the Naturalization Test

    Studying for the Naturalization Test

    America’s Foundation: The Declaration of Independence,

    The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights

    PART III: 5 PRACTICE TESTS

    Chapter 7: Practice Tests for the Naturalization Interview

    What to Expect

    Practice Test 1

    Answer Key for Practice Test 1

    Practice Test 2

    Answer Key for Practice Test 2

    Practice Test 3

    Answer Key for Practice Test 3

    Practice Test 4

    Answer Key for Practice Test 4

    Practice Test 5

    Answer Key for Practice Test 5

    Official USCIS Interview Questions

    Answers to the Interview Questions

    PART IV: APPENDIXES

    Appendix A: USCIS Instructions and Blank Practice Forms

    Appendix B: USCIS Filing Fees

    Becoming a U.S. Citizen

    Many people consider the United States to be the greatest country in the world, and most of us who live here agree. It’s not surprising that so many people from other parts of the world come to the United States or that many of them want to stay here. With such a demand to become part of this great country, it is important that there is a well-defined process for legally entering this country and staying here for a short time or permanently.

    It is a complicated and lengthy process, but if you decide you want to stay here permanently, the information presented in this book will provide you with resources and guidance you need to become a U.S. citizen so that you can enjoy all of the many benefits this great country has to offer.

    Rights and Benefits

    The United States has been called The Land of Opportunity and a place where you can live the American Dream. Although the Constitution and laws of the United States extend many rights to both citizens and noncitizens, some rights are extended to U.S. citizens only, for example:

    Voting: Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, and most states also restrict the right to vote to U.S. citizens.

    Bringing family members to the United States: Citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

    Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad: In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.

    Traveling with a U.S. passport: A U.S. passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when you are overseas.

    Becoming eligible for federal jobs: Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

    Becoming an elected official: Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship.

    In addition to these and many other benefits, U.S. citizenship also comes with certain responsibilities. When you take the Oath of Allegiance, you make several promises as a U.S. citizen, including that you will:

    • Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty

    • Swear allegiance to the United States

    • Support and defend the Constitution and U.S. laws

    • Serve the country when required

    U.S. citizens also have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in elections. Serving on a jury is another responsibility of citizenship. In addition, the United States becomes stronger when all of its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in this country. Thus, tolerance for differences is another responsibility of citizenship.

    As you can see, becoming a citizen of this great country is not something that should be taken lightly. However, it is a decision that certainly comes with many benefits. Before you are granted citizenship, you will be interviewed by an officer of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is likely that you will be asked about why you want to become a citizen and whether you accept these responsibilities willingly. Be sure to consider these questions carefully before beginning this process.

    You’re Well on Your Way to Success

    You’ve made the decision to become a citizen of the United States. Peterson’s How to Become a U.S. Citizen will help you prepare for the steps you will need to take to achieve your goal—from becoming a permanent resident to passing the necessary tests and achieving U.S. citizenship. The editors at Peterson’s Publishing wish you the best of luck as you begin this endeavor.

    Give Us Your Feedback

    Peterson’s publications can be found at high school guidance offices, college and university libraries and career centers, and your local bookstore and library. Peterson’s publications are also available as e-books. Check our Web site, www.petersonspublishing.com, for more information about our e-book program.

    We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about this publication. Your feedback will help us make educational and career goals possible for you—and others like you.

    Part I: The Immigration System

    Chapter 1: A Look at the Immigration System

    Objectives and Goals of the U.S. Immigration System

    Immigration policies in the United States are set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS is the bureau within the Department of Homeland Security that directs the immigration process in this country, including citizenship, permanent residency, family- and employment-related immigration, employment authorization, and inter-country adoptions. The USCIS also handles foreign student authorization, asylum and refugee status, and replacement immigration documents.

    Policies and regulations established by the U.S. immigration system are designed to allow visitors, temporary workers, and immigrants lawful entry into the United Sates. The immigration system has two main objectives. First, it gives those seeking permanent residency a clear process for obtaining U.S. citizenship (naturalization). It also provides information for those who would like to visit the United States temporarily as students, tourists, or workers. Second, the immigration system protects the rights of current citizens by stopping illegal entry, benefit distribution, or employment.

    The U.S. immigration system strives to meet the following goals:

    Safety: First and foremost, immigration laws are in place to keep U.S. citizens safe. Although many new immigrants are welcomed into the country each year, the immigration system also has safeguards to prevent unlawful entry into the United States.

    Family reunification: Policies established by the USCIS are intended to keep families intact. Immigration laws make it easier for those with immediate family members (parents, children, or spouses) already living in the United States to enter the country.

    Asylum: Immigration laws provide political, religious, and social asylum for those fleeing discrimination or maltreatment in their native countries.

    Integration: The immigration system supports those seeking permanent residency or citizenship by providing helpful resources and information.

    Visas: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant

    Whether you would like to visit the United States temporarily or stay permanently, the first step is to obtain a visa. A visa allows a person to travel to the United States and

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