Becoming a U. S. Citizen : A Guide to the Law, Exam and Interview

by BRAY ILONA M.

• ISBN13: 9781413308969
• ISBN10: 1413308961
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-10-01
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

Covering the topics that most immigration guides don't, this book is the most complete resource available today.

Author Biography

Ilona Bray is an author and legal editor at Nolo. Her specialties include real estate, immigration law, and nonprofit fundraising. Ms. Bray's working background includes solo practice, nonprofit, and corporate stints, as well as long periods of volunteering, including an internship at Amnesty International's main legal office in London. She is also the author of U.S. Immigration Made Easy, Fiance & Marriage Visas, How to Get a Green Card and Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits. Ilona lives in Oakland, CA.

Table of Contents

Your Companion on the Path to U.S. Citizenship	p. 1
Deciding Whether to Apply for Citizenship	p. 5
The Disadvantages of Applying for Citizenship	p. 6
The Advantages of U.S. Citizenship	p. 18
Are You Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?	p. 25
Confirming Your Permanent Resident Status	p. 28
Your Physical Location During Permanent Residency	p. 41
The Age Requirement	p. 56
Demonstrating Good Moral Character	p. 56
English Language Skills	p. 76
The U.S. History and Government Exam	p. 77
Loyalty to the U.S.	p. 80
Overview: Are You Ready to Apply?	p. 83
Preparing and Submitting Your Application	p. 85
What You'll Put in Your Application Packet	p. 87
Preparing Your Cover Letter	p. 89
Filling Out USCIS Form N-400	p. 90
Submitting the Application	p. 103
Between Filing and Interview: Dealing With the Wait	p. 127
Improving Your Eligibility for Citizenship	p. 128
Tracking Your Application and Dealing With Delays	p. 129
If You Move or Go on Vacation	p. 142
Requesting Emergency Attention	p. 145
When All Else Fails, Call Your U.S. Congressperson	p. 145
Preparing for the English Exam	p. 147
How Much English You'll Need to Know	p. 148
How USCIS Tests Your English	p. 149
Study Resources	p. 155
Preparing for the U.S. History and Government Exam	p. 157
Your Exam Preparation Strategy	p. 158
Learning the Answers to the 100 Questions	p. 160
The 20 Questions for Applicants Age 65 and Older	p. 179
Overcoming Disability When Applying for Citizenship	p. 193
How to Become the Applicant's Designated Representative	p. 195
Accommodating Your Disability	p. 198
Obtaining a Disability-Based Waiver of the Exam Requirements	p. 202
Requesting a Waiver of the Oath of Allegiance Requirement	p. 211
The Interview	p. 215
Final Preparation	p. 219
The Interview	p. 223
If the Interview Goes Badly	p. 229
Approval or Denial: What's Next?	p. 231
Denials, Appeals, and Repeat Interviews	p. 235
Retaking the Exams	p. 236
Providing More Documents	p. 237
Choosing to Appeal or Reapply	p. 241
How to Appeal	p. 244
What to Do If You Lose the Appeal	p. 253
Reapplying for Citizenship	p. 253
Legal Help Beyond This Book	p. 257
When Do You Need a Lawyer?	p. 258
Gather Names of Prospective Attorneys	p. 260
Avoid Sleazy Lawyers	p. 262
Choosing Among Lawyers	p. 263
Signing Up Your Lawyer	p. 268
Firing Your Lawyer	p. 271
Do-It-Yourself Legal Research	p. 272
After You Are Approved	p. 277
The Swearing-In Ceremony	p. 278
How to Prove Your Citizenship	p. 284
Registering to Vote	p. 285
Citizenship for Your Children	p. 285
Helping Other Family Members Immigrate	p. 289
Glossary
Index
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.