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Jennifer Gagliardi. U.S. Citizenship For Dummies
U.S. Citizenship For Dummies® To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “U.S. Citizenship For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box. Table of Contents
List of Tables
Guide
Pages
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Where to Go from Here
Pursuing Immigration and Citizenship
The Joys of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Determining Whether You Really Want to Become a U.S. Citizen
What you lose
What you gain
Your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen
Mapping Your Way to America: Typical Ways People Immigrate to the U.S
HOW IMMIGRATION LAW DEFINES CHILDREN
Reuniting with your family
Pursuing employment opportunities
Winning the visa lottery
SURPRISE! YOU MAY ALREADY BE A U.S. CITIZEN
Documenting Your Immigration Status
Just visiting
Here to stay
Joining the club: Naturalization
SERVING YOUR WAY TO CITIZENSHIP
Making Sense of the Immigration Process
Doing the paperwork
Proving your identity
IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN
Being Interviewed by the USCIS
Interviewing for a green card
Obtaining U.S. citizenship
Recognizing Permanent and Temporary Bars to Naturalization
DISABILITY AND AGE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ENGLISH AND CIVICS REQUIREMENTS
Attending Your Swearing-In Ceremony
Receiving your Certificate of Naturalization
MODIFYING THE OATH
Meeting the Officials Who Can Help You on Your Quest
Understanding the Goals of the U.S. Immigration System
Identifying the Major Players and Their Roles in the Immigration System
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF USCIS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The Department of State
State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs
HOW THE STATE DEPARTMENT HELPS ASYLUM SEEKERS
State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
The Department of Labor (DOL)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
HELPING REFUGEES: THE UNITED NATIONS
Finding Out about Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas
Just Visiting: Nonimmigrant Visas
Determining whether you need a visa
MARRYING INTO THE UNITED STATES
Discovering the common types of nonimmigrant visas
THE VISA WIZARD
Changing or adjusting your nonimmigrant status
Switching nonimmigrant visa categories
Adjusting status from nonimmigrant to immigrant
Gaining Permanent Resident Status (or a Green Card)
Understanding the family preference categories
Marrying your way to permanent residence
Marrying a U.S. citizen
Marrying a green-card holder
Legally marrying a green-card holder OUTSIDE of the U.S
Marrying a U.S. Service member
MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION: THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Using family connections
Identifying exceptions to the sponsorship requirements
Working for a Green Card
Making sense of employment preference categories
First preference: Priority workers
PEOPLE WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS OR RESEARCHERS
CERTAIN FOREIGN EXECUTIVES OR MANAGERS
Second preference: Professionals
IMMIGRATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER
Third preference: Skilled or professional workers
Fourth preference: Special immigrants
Fifth preference: Immigrant investors
Discovering Other Ways to Qualify for Permanent Residence
Immigrating through asylum
Looking for safe refuge
Investing in the United States
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BIRTHPLACE
Winning the green-card lottery
UNDERSTANDING THE PRIORITY DATE
Waiting for a Visa
Filling Out the Forms
Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Step 1: Are you already a U.S. citizen?
Step 2: Are you eligible to become a U.S. citizen?
Step 3: Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Step 4: Submit your Form N-400 and pay your fees
Step 5: Go to your biometrics appointment, if applicable
Step 6: Complete the interview
Step 7: Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400
Step 8: Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance
Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Step 10: Understanding U.S. citizenship
Using USCIS Tools and Forms
Your citizenship tool belt
Creating a USCIS online account
Applying for Citizenship: Form N-400
Some helpful info before you begin
N-400 Parts 1 to 11: Personal Information
Part 1: Eligibility
Part 2: Info about You
Part 3: Accommodations
Part 4: Contact Info
Part 5: Residence
Part 6: Parents
Part 7: Biographical Info
Part 8: Work and School
Part 9: Travel Outside of the United States
Part 10: Marital History
Part 11: Children
N-400 Part 12: Additional Information
N-400 Parts 13–18: Signatures
Part 13: Applicant’s Signature
Part 14: Interpreter’s Signature
Part 15: Preparer’s Signature (other than the applicant)
Part 16: Signature at Interview
Part 17: Renunciation
Part 18: Oath of Allegiance
RESEARCHING YOUR HISTORY: FORM G-639
Other Common Forms
SAY CHEESE! TAKING A GOOD PHOTO, USCIS-STYLE
WHO ARE APPROVED REPRESENTATIVES?
Submitting Your Application
DOCUMENTING IMMIGRATION HELP
Organizing your files
After you file
Doing the Interview, Getting Help, and Following the Rules
Acing Your Naturalization Interview
Who Needs to Interview with the USCIS?
Age exemptions
Disability exemptions
Passing Your Naturalization Interview
Arriving prepared
Giving yourself the best chance for success
Practicing for the Big Three: Reading, writing, and speaking English
THE READING AND WRITING TESTS GO DIGITAL!
Getting ready for the interview
A typical citizenship interview
Studying for the civics test
Helping your family prepare for their interview
Communicating with the USCIS
Following Up: What Happens After the Interview
Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Taking care of a few more important tasks
Keeping on Top of Changes in Immigration Law
Understanding the Post-9/11 Changes to the Immigration System
WHERE DID THE OTHER INS DUTIES GO?
Overhauling Immigration Laws in 1990
Understanding the Significance of the 1996 Immigration Law Changes
Getting tougher on crime
Updates to USCIS Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT OF 1952
Proving you won’t be a burden to the system
Protecting America’s borders
Recognizing Helpful Immigration Law Changes
Staying Abreast of Changes in Immigration Law
Getting Help When You Need It
Recognizing When You Need Professional Help
Seeking Professional Help
Knowing the warning signs to watch out for
Consulting an immigration attorney
Reaching for a helping hand: Nonprofit immigration organizations
SEEKING OUT LOW- OR NO-COST IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
Taking advantage of free immigration help from the government
Taking citizenship test-prep classes
AVOID SCAMS
Troubleshooting Immigration Glitches
Communicating with the USCIS
WHAT IF YOU LOSE YOUR CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION?
Registering changes
Changing appointments
Filing a complaint
Dealing with Rejection and Appealing USCIS Decisions
Naturalization rejections
WORKING AND TRAVELING DURING THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
IMMIGRANT VISA REJECTIONS
Demonstrating Good Moral Character
Avoiding Removal
Understanding the reasons for removal
Appealing removal decisions
Exploring U.S. History, Government, and Culture
U.S. History in a Nutshell, Part I: Pre-U.S. to World War I
Before We Were the United States
Native Americans
Migrating to the New World
Finding out about the American colonies
SEEKING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: THE PILGRIMS
Recognizing the “lucky thirteen”
Forming a New Country
Understanding the events leading to the Revolutionary War
Resisting tyranny: The colonists unite and fight
Declaring independence from England
Establishing the new nation
ANSWERING THE SLAVERY QUESTION
Growing a nation
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CENSUS
Warring after the Revolution
Expanding the Country’s Borders
Engaging in Civil War
Before the Civil War: Contributing factors and compromises
The strengths of the North and South
ABOLITIONISTS
The war between the states
THE BIRTH OF THE RED CROSS
Reconstruction after the Civil War
Entering the Industrial Revolution
The importance of immigrants to a growing nation
IMPORTANT AMERICAN INVENTIONS OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
The rise of labor unions
TRACING YOUR ROOTS THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND
U.S. History in a Nutshell, Part II: World War I to the Present
The World War I Years
The causes behind World War I (The Great War)
U.S. participation in the Great War
The Treaty of Versailles
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Surviving the Great Depression
ECONOMIC DEPRESSIONS IN EUROPE
The World War II Years
Choosing sides: The Axis and the Allies
HITLER’S RISE IN GERMANY
The United States under attack: Pearl Harbor
“Relocating” citizens: Japanese internment in World War II
MUSSOLINI’S RISE IN ITALY
KOREMATSU V. UNITED STATES
Fighting Germany and Japan
OFFICIALLY ENDING INTERNMENT
The effects of World War II
The Cold War Years
Fighting communism: The Cold War between the world’s superpowers
Battling communism in Asia: The Korean War
The Vietnam War
The Civil Rights Movement
Understanding the U.S. Today
Important recent historical events from the late 1960s to the 1990s
THE ONLY PRESIDENT NEVER TO BE ELECTED
Trouble in the Middle East: The Gulf War
Historical events of the 21st Century
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
Announcing the Birth of a New Nation: The Declaration of Independence
Leading up to the Declaration: The colonists’ complaints
What the Declaration says
SEEKING THE ACTUAL DOCUMENTS
VISITING INDEPENDENCE HALL
The Supreme Law of the Land: The Constitution
What the Constitution says
Constitutional articles
The Bill of Rights
CHECKS AND BALANCES
Constitutional amendments
CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION
THE 28TH AMENDMENT?
Understanding the United States Federal Government
How the U.S. Government Works
The Duties and Functions of the Executive Branch
The president
The vice president
The Cabinet and executive departments
Independent agencies
HOW AND WHY THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ELECTS OUR PRESIDENT
The Duties and Functions of the Legislative Branch
The United States Congress
Congressional leadership
How laws are passed
HOW POLITICAL PARTIES INFLUENCE THE UNITED STATES
Congressional committees
Meeting your senators
Meeting your representatives
NON-VOTING MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The Duties of the Judicial Branch
The federal court system
CONTACTING YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
The ultimate constitutional authority: The Supreme Court
IMPORTANT SUPREME COURT CASES
Looking at State and Local Governments
Capitals and Capitols
State Governments
State government structure
The executive branch
NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
The legislative branch
THEY’VE GOT YOU COVERED: THE NATIONAL GUARD
The judicial branch
The responsibilities of state governments
DISCOVERING YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Citizens’ responsibilities to their states
State constitutions
Local Governments
Celebrating U.S. Holidays and Observances
Federal Holidays
New Year’s Day
WHEN TO CELEBRATE?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents’ Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Ten More Important Civic Holidays
Inauguration Day
Census Day
Income Tax Day
Flag Day
Women’s Equality Day
State Admissions Day
9/11
Constitution and Citizenship Week
Election Day
Bill of Rights Day
Heritage Months
February: Black History Month
March: Women’s History Month
March: Irish-American Heritage Month
April: Arab American Heritage Month
May: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May: Jewish American Heritage Month
June: Immigrant Heritage Month
June: LGBTQI+ Pride Month
June: Caribbean American Heritage Month
Mid-September to Mid-October: Hispanic Heritage Month
October: Filipino American History Month
October: German American Heritage Month
October: Italian American Heritage Month
November: Native American Heritage Month
Emblems of America
The Flag: Old Glory
The symbolism and significance of the flag
Displaying the flag
CELEBRATING FLAG DAY
Half-staff rules
SALUTING THE FLAG
Caring for the flag: Important etiquette
The Pledge of Allegiance
The National Anthem
Other American Anthems
America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee)
America the Beautiful
God Bless America
This Land Is Your Land
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Investigating American Icons
The Great Seal
The national bird
The national motto
American Monuments
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Liberty Bell and the President’s House
The National Mall
Civic Life
The Rights and Duties of Everyone Living in the United States
Participating in democracy
Volunteering
The Rights and Duties of U.S. Citizens
VOTING 101: WHO, WHERE, AND WHEN
Practicing for the Citizenship Tests
Preparing for the English Test
Building Your Vocabulary
Brushing Up on Your Reading and Writing
Working through USCIS Form N-400
Getting familiar with the N-400
Getting off to a good start
What, where, and when?
Part 12 Additional Information Subsections
Part 12 key words and common concepts
More Part 12 key words
Part 12:45-50: Attachment to the Constitution
Understanding Key Words in the Oath of Allegiance
Preparing for the Civics, Reading, and Writing Tests
Keeping Current
Current events
National, state, and local governments
Quizzing Yourself on Civics
As easy as 1, 2, 3
Two quizzes about the three branches
The important Americans quiz
The citizen responsibilities quiz
Preparing for Your USCIS Interview: The 100 Questions!
Two quick questions before you begin
American Government. A: Principles of American Democracy
B: System of Government
C: Rights and Responsibilities
American History. A: Colonial Period and Independence
B: 1800s
C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information
Integrated Civics. A: Geography
B: Symbols
REMEMBERING FACTS
C: Holidays
ONLINE PRACTICE FOR THE CIVICS TEST
The Reading and Writing Tests
The Part of Tens
Ten Tips to Help You Pass Your Naturalization Interview
Be On Time
Present Yourself Favorably
Listen Carefully
Answer the Right Questions
Know Your Application
Be Prepared
Know Your Stuff
Bring What You Need
Be Honest and Honorable
Treat Immigration Officers with Respect
Ten Things That Can Hurt Your Naturalization Case
Perpetrating Fraud
Participating in Subversive Activities
Supporting Violence, Terror, and Participating in War Crimes
Committing a Crime
Doing Drugs
Behaving Poorly (Even If You’re Not Breaking a Law)
Unlawfully Staying in the United States
Failing to Register with the Selective Service (If You’re a Male)
Failing to Meet Deadlines
Abandoning Your Application
Ten Important American Heroes
George Washington
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
Abraham Lincoln
Susan B. Anthony
WOMEN ON CURRENCY
Woodrow Wilson
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower
Martin Luther King, Jr
Appendixes
The Declaration of Independence
The United States Constitution
Article. I. Section. 1
Section. 2
Section. 3
Section. 4
Section. 5
Section. 6
Section. 7
Section. 8
Section. 9
Section. 10
Article. II. Section. 1
Section. 2
Section. 3
Section. 4
Article. III. Section. 1
Section. 2
Section. 3
Article. IV. Section. 1
Section. 2
Section. 3
Section. 4
Article. V
Article. VI
Article. VII
Document Checklist
Index. A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
About the Author
Dedication
Author's Acknowledgments
WILEY END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
