Читать книгу U.S. Citizenship For Dummies - Jennifer Gagliardi - Страница 36

After you’ve taken the Oath of Allegiance, you’ll be presented with your Certificate of Naturalization. Congratulations! You are now officially a citizen of the United States of America, and you can use your certificate to prove it. This legal document is quite ornate in appearance, resembling a diploma — one personalized with your photograph.

Applying for a passport as soon as you receive your Certificate of Naturalization is a good idea. A passport can also serve as proof of your citizenship, and it’s much easier to carry than the certificate itself. If you ever lose your certificate, getting a replacement can sometimes take up to a year. If the certificate serves as your only proof of citizenship, a year can feel like a mighty long time — especially if you want to travel. You can usually pick up a passport application at your swearing-in ceremony. If not, your local post office has passport applications, or you can download a DS-11 Passport Application from https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11.PDF.

If it is not already in your seat at the ceremony, people from your county Registrar of Voters will hand you a voter’s registration card on your way out. Don't wait another minute — register to vote and exercise your right to participate in democracy!

You should also update your record with the Social Security Administration by applying for a new Social Security Card: www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. Proudly check the “U.S. Citizen” box on Line 5 Citizenship.

If you have a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued identification card (ID), take this opportunity to update your record with the agency that issues driver’s licenses in your state. You may update your ID information and photo or apply for a REAL ID.

Now that you are a citizen, share this gift with others. Volunteer at your local adult school or community center and help people prepare for their citizenship interview. Find volunteer opportunities at www.volunteer.gov/s/.