What Are the Requirements for Applying For U.S Citizenship?

US citizenship is the highest privilege offered by the US constitution to its people. Although this status matters a great deal to the people, it is not easy to become a US citizen. The easiest path to become a US citizen is by the birthright citizenship (i.e.) getting automatic citizenship status by being born on the US soil. As per the US law on citizenship, anybody who is born in the US or in its outlying islands will automatically become US citizen. This is the main reason for illegal alien mothers to deliver their babies on US soil. The US Federal Government is still at a loss to find a solution for this so called ‘anchor baby’ problem.

Pre-requisites in Applying for US Citizenship

Apart from those who become citizens by birth or acquire citizenship though their parents, there is also a category of immigrants who get naturalized as US citizens. Although the first two categories have already become citizens in their own way, they need to get a proper documentation of that status. It is the third category that needs to undergo a long and a tedious process to get that coveted status. The very first thing, which applicants need to do before applying for US citizenship, is to learn about the citizenship application process. The eligibility conditions and the processing time may be different for each category which makes it necessary for the applicants to know about the process beforehand.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Should be at least 18 yrs of age
• Should be in possession of a valid Green card.
• Should have lived in the US as a permanent resident for minimum 5yrs ( 3 yrs for a conditional resident)
• Should have accumulated the stipulated years of continuous residence in the US
• Should not have made any longer trips which are greater than 6 months out of the US.
• Should have maintained 30 months of physical presence in the country, out of which 3 months should have been definitely present in the state or district from which he/she is applying for US citizenship

Being a person of good moral character with the natural urge to serve the country when called upon to do so and showing a great attachment to the constitution is also a must for applicants. Since clearing the citizenship test is mandatory, knowledge about the US constitution is also a must.

Requirements for Military Personnel

There is no better and direct way of serving one’s country than being a part of the Armed forces. And the US Government makes sure that it acknowledges the selfless service of the military personnel by granting then citizenship very easily. Although they need to qualify to become eligible, they do not have to follow the general, long route for applying for US citizenship. If the service members had served in the major wars like the World Wars, then they are exempted from the permanent resident and continuous residence criteria. They can also get naturalized fast (Expedited naturalization) and while they are commissioned abroad (Overseas naturalization)

Getting a clear idea of the application process will help the applicants to complete their forms without errors and submit them quickly. In general, a person who is thinking of applying for US citizenship should ensure that he/she satisfies all the following conditions on the qualifications checklist.

Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship by Birth in the United States

By being born in the US, a person automatically becomes a citizen of US. All that they need to do is to document this distinguished status so as to enjoy the various rights. This can be in the form of a US passport which is entitled only to US citizens. This will serve as a perfect and adequate proof of identification for any purposes.

In order to become a citizen at birth, a person should have either

• been born in the US  or its territories or any of its outlying possessions
• Had US citizen parent/parents, who were citizens at the time of their birth, if they were born outside the US, besides satisfying other requirements.

Facts about Citizenship

There are several occasions when people do not even realize that they have become US citizens. There are people who are born in the United States, but have spent most of their lives outside the US. These people believe that they have lost their citizenship status but what they tend to forget is that they have automatically acquired it by their birth in the US. Children who were not born in the US but have US citizen parents or grandparents can very easily acquire the citizenship status from their ancestors.  Children who are born to diplomats and other government officials (citizens of some other country) from foreign countries cannot become US citizens automatically even if they are born on US soil.

US Citizenship by Birth

Birth in the US is considered a great privilege as it makes that person a US citizen automatically. This is the reason why many immigrant mothers prefer to deliver their babies inside the US, even if they do not have the status of a citizen. Even if they are not able to enjoy the rights and other opportunities, they ensure that their children get it. This acquisition of the US citizenship by virtue of birth is referred to as birthright citizenship.

US citizenship is a matter of federal law and is governed by the US Constitution. The citizenship clause (after the adoption of the fourteenth amendment) states that ‘All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.’

Who can acquire this citizenship?

The US Federal Law defines the following 10 categories of people who automatically become US citizens by their birth in the US.

• A person born in the US and subject to its jurisdiction
• A person born in the US to a member of any of these tribes - Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or any other aboriginal tribe. This is a result of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
• A person, who is found in the US with unknown parentage, while still under the age of 5 until proved to have been born elsewhere before his/her 21years
• A person born in any outlying possessions of the US, with one of the  parents as a US citizen and who has been physically present in the US or the outlying possessions for a continuous period of time prior to the birth of that person.

Once a person has become a US citizen by birth, they continue to do so till their entire lifetime until and unless they get naturalized as a citizen of some other nation or voluntarily renounce it.

Documenting the Acquired Citizenship Status

Claiming citizenship through US citizen parents

A child who is born abroad automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when both his/her parents are U.S. citizens and one of them has resided in the U.S.A. before the birth of the child. In case one of the child’s parents is only a U.S. citizen then that parent should have been in the U.S. for at least 5 years (not less than that) and two years should have been before the parent was 14 yrs of age.  

Any child who is born outside the U.S. and who has claims over U.S. citizenship through his/her parents can file form N-600 (Application for certificate of citizenship). In that aspect, any child born outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parent/parents and who meet the other eligibility criteria before their 18th birthday can file in N-600 at any point of time in their life. In case the child is under 18years of age, then the N-600 has to file on behalf of them by the child’s U.S. citizenship parent.

Claiming U.S. citizenship through action of law

A person should satisfy the following conditions in order to get citizenship by action of law if they are born outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents.

• At least one parent should have been a U.S. Citizen either by birth or through naturalization
• The applying individual should be currently living in the U.S. with his/her U.S. citizen parents.  
• The applying individual should be the biological child and in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen before becoming a 16 yr. old
• The person should have been born out of wedlock that was not legitimated and whose mother has got naturalized as a U.S. citizen.

Citizenship Application Process

The applicant should file in Form N-600 with all the necessary documents for proof and submit it in a USCIS office that has jurisdiction over his/her area of residence.

Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship By A Child Born Abroad

Getting US citizenship by birth is the easiest way of becoming a US citizen. Children who are born either in the US automatically become US citizens and all that they need to do is to just document their citizenship status. Children who are born out of the US to US citizen parent or parents also become US citizens automatically if they satisfy certain eligibility criteria.

Process of acquiring US Citizenship for a child who is born abroad

The first and the most important step that should be done is to report the birth of the child to a US consulate when it is born outside the US to US citizen parents. This should be done in order to get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) from the US Embassy or consulate.  It will serve as an official record of the child’s claim to US citizenship.

   

Know about the Consular report of birth abroad

This report can be created only at an overseas American consular office while the child is still under the age of 18. An original report of the birth is issued to the parents once the child’s birth has been reported and approved. The parents may request multiple copies, or a replacement at any time. In case the child is born in a location – Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Swains Island, then this report of birth should be obtained from the respective Vital Records office.

Previously a Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) was issued to children born abroad. This was replaced by the Consular report of birth abroad from December 31, 2010. However the previously issued certificates are also valid as a proof of their birth, identity and citizenship.

Sponsoring an Employee for a Green Card

There are various ways through which a foreign national can become an immigrant. One of them is when an employer sponsors an alien for immigration to the United States. This article would discuss more on this aspect.

The first thing that comes to many prospective employers' minds would be, “How do I sponsor an employee green card?” Much would depend on the the immigration proces which in this case is a multi layered one.

The first step in sponsoring an employee for a green card is to check if the employee is eligible for permanent residency in the United States. Most category of employment would require a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor.

As a first step in sponsoring an employee green card is that the employer should file Form I -140
(Petition for Alien Worker) with the USCIS which should be approved by them. Then the employee has to be provided an immigrant visa number by the State Department. This is mandatory even if the employee is already in the United States.

On providing the visa number and if the applicant is already in the United Staes, he/she has to file Form I 485 to adjust their status to permanent residency. The applicant, if outside the United States when the visa number is made available will have to go the local consular office to complete the immigrant application process.

An employer may file for his employee (who is within or outside the United States) if he/she falls under any of these categories:

EB-1 Priority workers

EB-2 Professionals who possess advanced degrees or persons with exceptional ability

EB-3 Skilled or professional workers

EB-4 Special Immigrants

What does the petition do for an employee?

From the employer's perspective, you will establish an intent to hire the employee when you file the petition. This gives the employee an opportunity to apply for an immigrant visa status as soon as the visa number is made available.

As an employer it is prudent to file the petition as soon as the employee's eligibility is verified as this will establish the employee's eligibility and your intent to hire the employee when you file the petition. This gives the employee an opportunity to apply for immigrant status as soon as a visa number becomes available.

The wait period would generally depend on where in line the application is. If the priority date has reached the head of the line, the employee would be invited by the USCIS to apply for the visa. If the employee is already in the United States legally and has met all the citizenship eligibility requirement he/she can file for the adjustment of status if the visa number is currently available.

The employer cannot file for an employee's spouse or children. However when the employee is invited to apply for a visa, his spouse or children can apply for the immigration visa or to adjust the status at the same time.

After the application is mailed to the USCIS it will be taken up for initial processing. USCIS will then mail a receipt notice that is proof that the petition has been received. It is advisable that all the details are provided correctly. If for any reasons the application is incomplete, not signed or has the incorrect fees, the application would be rejected.

USCIS will inform its decision in writing. If the petition has been approved it would imply that the employee's eligibility for the visa classification has been approved.

How To Replace Your Green Card

The Green Card (USCIS Form I-551), also known as Permanent Resident Card, is a proof of permanent resident status in the United States. Without a valid card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, and it might affect your ability to travel or to prove your eligibility to work in the United States.



When do you need to replace your Green Card?



You are required to apply for a replacement Green Card in the following reasons and situations:

*If any information on your card needs to be changed, for example, if your name has legally changed due to marriage or divorce;



*If your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged;



*If you became a permanent resident before you turned 14 years old. You are required to replace your card when you become 14 years old;



*If your card is about to expire. This does not apply to you if you are a conditional permanent resident whose green card is about to expire (see below);



*If your Permanent Resident Card was issued with incorrect information because of an administrative error made by the USCIS;



*If you never received the previous card that was issued to you by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);



*If you have a previous version of the alien registration card which is no longer valid (e.g., USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103 or Form I-151)

What are the Advantages of US Citizenship?

There are many advantages of being a U.S. citizenship. Becoming a U.S. citizen entitles one to benefits that are not available to Green Card holders including the right to vote, the ability to travel with a US passport, and preference in sponsoring relatives for US citizenship.



One of the advantages of U.S. citizenship is the right to vote in local and national elections. By voting, U.S. citizens can influence local, state, and federal politics. They can elect political representatives and make their voices heard on taxes, schools, and foreign policy, among other issues. U.S. citizens can also be elected to public office. Additionally, they are eligible for certain unelected government jobs and certain jobs requiring security clearances that are not available to Green Card holders. U.S. citizens can make a big impact in the accountability and efficiency of the U.S. government.



US citizens can spend as much time as they like outside of the U.S. with no immigration consequences. Green Card holders may lose their status as permanent residents if they spend too much time outside of the U.S. because of certain legal requirements to be physically present in the U.S.. If Green Card holders lose their status, they have to start the process of permanent residence all over again, which takes time and costs money.



A more intangible advantage of U.S. citizenship is the sense of belonging that citizens feel. Obtaining citizenship helps people feel a part of the community of the United States of America. It is one of many ways to demonstrate commitment to the country and its ideals.

Claiming U.S. Child Citizenship at Birth

Becoming a US citizen is the ultimate dream of many immigrants. It is not an easy process and cannot be achieved in a short period of time. One has to first become a permanent resident and satisfy several eligibility criteria in order to get the citizenship status. However, people who are born in the US are lucky in this aspect as they automatically become US citizens by being born in the US.

How to acquire US citizenship by birth?

When a child falls under any of the below mentioned category, then it indicates that the child has become a US citizen by birth.

• The child should have been born in the US or the outlying US territories
• In case the child is born outside the US, it should have one parent or both the parents as US citizens at the time of its birth.

In order to document their citizenship they need to file in Form N400 (Naturalization certificate) if they were born in the US and Form N-565 – Certificate of citizenship if they were born outside the US to US citizen parent/ parents. The latter type is referred to as derived or acquired citizenship.

What happens when a child is born abroad to US citizen parents?

This kind of a birth should be immediately reported to the nearest US embassy so that an official record of the child’s birth can be issued in the form of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.  This can be obtained overseas when the child is still under 18 yrs of age.  Both the Consular Report of Birth and the Certificate of Citizenship are equally acceptable as proof of the US citizenship status.

Process of claiming US citizenship

Using N-600

When a person has been born outside the US to US citizen parent/parents, then he/she automatically becomes a US citizen if

• At least one parent is a US Citizen by birth or through the process of naturalization process
• The child currently resides in the U.S. with his/her US citizen parent
• The child  is still under 18yrs of age
• The child is the biological offspring who is now in the legal custody of the U.S. citizen parent prior before reaching his/her 16th birthday
• The child is the biological offspring who was born out of wedlock without having been legitimated and whose mother has become US citizen through the process of naturalization process.
• The child has been living consistently in the US after becoming a  permanent resident
• Of both the child’s parents, the parent who has been awarded  both the legal and physical custody of the child should be a US citizen
• The only surviving parent should be a  US citizen by naturalization.
• If both the child’s parents are US Citizens and one of them has resided in the US prior to the child’s birth.
• If one of the child’s parent is a foreign national and the other is a US citizen who had been physically present in the US for a period not less than five years before the child’s birth. At least two of those years should have been after the parent’s 14^th year

If the child who is claiming for citizenship is below 18 yrs of age on February 27, 2001, but does not meet up with all the above mentioned criteria, then the child can file in Form N-400 to get naturalized as a US citizen. For that he/she needs to become 18 years or older than that and become a permanent resident besides satisfying several other criteria and qualify for it.

The DREAM Act

The DREAM Act: Important Immigration Legislation



The idea behind the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM Act, is to provide these young men and women, who meet certain requirements, the opportunity to obtain conditional permanent residency.




What are the specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the DREAM Act?


* The individual entered the United States before the age of 16


* The individual must have lived in the United States for at least five (5) consecutive years prior to enactment of the DREAM Act


* The individual must have graduated from high school in the United States, or
have obtained a GED, or have been accepted into an institution of higher
education, such as a college or university


* The individual must be between 12 and 35 years of age when they apply for conditional permanent residency


* The individual must be someone who has good moral character

U.S. Citizen Benefits and Privileges

The Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen


*The Right to Vote

Voting in elections is one such privilege. New citizens are expected to participate in elections and to adhere to the principles of tolerance and understanding towards differing points of view, which is the philosophical basis of the system of government of the United States.



*A Way to Protect your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.

Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the lawful legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parent(s), automatically become U.S. Citizens when their parent(s) becomes naturalized.



*International Travel Made Easier

As a U.S. Citizen, you are not restricted on the amount of time you can spend outside of the U.S. and are not subject to obtaining a re-entry permit. Additionally, travel can be more convenient as many countries do not require Visas of U.S. Citizens.



*A Chance to Reunite Families

Certain immigrants are exempt from the numerical limitations imposed on immigration to the United States. Immediate relatives are: spouses of U.S. Citizens, children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) of U.S. Citizens, and parents of U.S. Citizens 21 years of age or older.


*Government Protection

In the event a Permanent Resident is ever accused of an illegal activity, they will remain within the authority of the USCIS and the Immigration Courts, and can be removed (or deported) for such activity. However, U.S. Citizens have the right to an attorney and a fair trial without the threat of being deported.



SOURCE:

US Citizenship Benefits

American Citizenship Process and Benefits

An individual may become a U.S. citizen either by birth or through naturalization. Generally speaking, if a person is born in the U.S.A or born to U.S. citizen parents, he or she automatically becomes a citizen of United States.

The benefits and rights associated with American citizenship are many. One of the most important benefits is that you are given the right to vote. You may also apply for federal jobs that offer high range salaries, good benefits, and job security. You may sponsor and bring your family members to the United States and you may obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. You may also travel abroad with a US passport.

If you were born outside United States to U.S. citizen parents then you may claim American citizenship through your parents. Your birth certificate that is registered in the U.S. Consulate is the proof of your citizenship. If you require further proof you may obtain a U.S.passport. In addition, your parents may file a petition to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for you using Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.

Benefits of Applying for U.S. Citizenship Online

How to Get US Citizenship?

Becoming a US citizen is no easy process and it sure takes a good number of years. First step to achieve this goal is becoming a permanent resident. Once a person becomes a Green Card holder, then filing the citizenship application, after becoming eligible, ensues.

In order to file the citizenship application, a Green Card holder should be at least 18 yrs old. They should have been a permanent resident of the US for at least 5 yrs (at least 3 years if married to a US citizen).If the permanent resident is a spouse of the service member of  United States military, then they can file their citizenship application sooner than the stipulated time period.

Additionally, the applicant should have maintained continuous residence in the US for at least five years. This continuous residence time limit refers to the 5 years that immediately precede the time of filing the citizenship application.

Moreover, the applicant should be sufficiently fluent in English unless inhibited by some physical or mental impairment. Possessing sufficient knowledge about the  United States government and its Constitution is also mandatory. Finally, the applicant should be a person of good moral character.

Online Completion of the Citizenship Application

All that a person needs to complete their citizenship applications online is to have access to the internet. Choosing the immigration service provider amongst the many available is the next step. After deciding on this, the applicant should be clear whether he/she should file Form N400 or Form N-600.Once done with this, the citizenship application process is all set to begin.

• Log on to the website of the online immigration service provider
• Create a user account
• Follow the instructions and provide all the requested information
• Print and submit the completed citizenship application to the USCIS

Benefits of Applying Online

There are so many advantages of applying online that the number of applicants who take this route is on the increase. Though an additional fee for guidance for completing the citizenship application is demanded by the service providers, it is definitely worth it.

While filing the citizenship application through online method, the applicant is instructed at each and every step as to how to proceed. An applicant may miss out some portions of the highly elaborate form, even though he/she checks it thoroughly. Human errors like these cannot be eliminated totally. Online preparation helps avoid this problem as an applicant will not be able to proceed on to the next step if any portion of the form is left empty without entering the required details.

Submitting an error free form will ensure a quick processing of the citizenship application. This is done in an effective manner by online preparation of applications. The application process does not stop here. Once the citizenship application is cleared for interview, the applicant has to prepare for it. Abundant materials are available on the internet in the form of e-books and DVDs that are highly useful for the applicants to acquaint themselves with the citizenship test.

Going for online preparation of citizenship application is indeed a good choice as the applicant can very well be assured of his/her application being not rejected.

How To Get Proof of U.S. Citizenship

In order to qualify for the benefits of being a U.S. citizen, one must be able to provide proof of citizenship.


Proof of citizenship can be documented in a variety of ways. Among the most common documents that establish US citizenship are:


* A U.S. Birth Certificate;

* A U.S. Passport;

* A Certificate of Citizenship; and

* A Naturalization Certificate.



If you were born in the United States, you were a US citizen at birth. You do not need to apply to USCIS for any evidence of citizenship. Your birth certificate (issued where you were born) is proof of your citizenship.


If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. Qualifying individuals who are 18 years and oder may submit an “Application for Naturalization” (N 400 Form) to become naturalized citizens. If you are already a naturalized U.S. citizen, then a copy of your naturalization certificate will prove your citizenship.

US Green Card for Family

Though journey of getting a green card for family seems to be easy, figuring out the exact steps and process becomes very tedious. Getting a green card and immigrating into the US to achieve citizenship has become a hot topic these days as many of the people aspire to live and work in the US. So is uniting with the family also becoming essential for many of those who prefer to live together with their family folks. Generally a person who is already a US citizen will be eligible to sponsor a green card, family unity being important to them. .

Getting green card for family:

One of the initial thoughts of getting a green card can be by using the relationship with a family member to apply. The path in obtaining the green card through family is possible if that family member is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

To petition for a green card, family member has to first file an immigration petition. There should be enough proof that the petitioner who is a US citizen or permanent resident has qualifying relationship with the applicant. There are two conditions in which an applicant can apply for a green card. If the family member is in the US while filing the petition, the applicant can change his/her status to permanent residency or if the family member is outside the US while filing the petition, he/she is eligible for consular processing through the consulate or Embassy in their native country.

The green card for family member can be obtained for immediate relatives of the US citizen or a permanent resident. Generally, Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative, is used to file for the relative by the US citizen family member. The immediate relative refers to the spouse or child of the US citizen or the permanent resident. The applicant can be an immediate relative if the he/she is a child and is under the age of 21 years of age and is unmarried and it can be spouse or the parent of the US citizen. The family member can be either the child or the siblings and in particular child can be married/unmarried. The immediate relatives of U.S citizens generally the spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21) go to the front of the line and are also exempt from having to wait for a visa number. Instead, once the visa petition is approved the visa number becomes available to them automatically.

The U.S. State Department will determine the availability of the visa number once the petition is filed. If available, you can apply for a green card. The availability of the visa number can be tracked through the Visa bulletin. Getting the residence card or becoming a U.S. immigrant with the help of family members requires a whole different process and formalities as well. The most important thing in this case is that the application is not considered valid unless and until the supporting documents are valid and establish the requirements set forth by the USCIS.

The U.S. Citizenship Form N400

Want to become a US citizen and enjoy the advantages? As a US citizen, you have the right to vote in the US federal elections. You can also petition your family members for permanent stay in the US. You can also obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. Additionally, you have the right to enter and exit the US without any restrictions. These are a few of the many advantages you can enjoy as a US citizen. Having so many advantages of being a US citizen, it's time to know the citizenship process.



You can become a US citizen either by birth or through Naturalization. Persons born in the US are automatically citizens of the US and persons born to US citizens can also claim citizenship subject to certain conditions. Naturalization is a process where a person not born in the US becomes a citizen voluntarily. To get naturalized, you need to file form N400, Application for Naturalization.



Citizenship application Form N400:



As mentioned earlier, N 400 is the citizenship form that needs to be filed for Naturalization. All the eligibility requirements for filing the citizenship form has to be met before applying. You need to be a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if married to a US citizen and living with the citizen spouse for the past three years. You need to meet other requirements too. You need to be 18years or above.Additionally, you have to fulfill the Continuous residence and Physical Residence Requirement. A prolonged absence from the U.S. will break the continuity of your residence in the U.S. for naturalization purposes, although it may not affect your ability to return to the U.S. as a permanent resident. You should have resided in your current state for at least 3 months. Your current state is the state where you are submitting the citizenship form for naturalization.



The N-400 citizenship form can be downloaded from the USCIS website for free. But considering the sophisticated process involved, many private websites help applicants in preparing the citizenship form by charging a nominal fee.



After you submit the citizenship form to the USCIS, within 30 days, you will get an Application Receipt Notice with a 13-character Application Receipt number. This Receipt Notice is the proof that USCIS has received your completed citizenship form and that it is being processed. With this number, you will be able to check the status of your case. You will be then notified about the date you need to appear for fingerprinting. Meanwhile , national security background checks are conducted and finally you need to appear for an interview. In the interview, your English knowledge will be tested, so will the civics related to the US. If the US immigration officials are fully satisfied, your case will be approved. If rejected, you will be notified as how soon you can reapply using the same N-400 citizenship application form. Approving or rejecting your case depends on the transparency and truthfulness of your case. So in the best interest of the applicant, it is strongly advised to be honest in all your disclosures.

U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview

 
This friendly guide makes it easier to understand US immigration and citizenship application process with up-to-date information on the various USCIS forms, the rights of permanent residents (green card holders) and much more. You'll learn about the English and civics test, about preparing for the interview process, and gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and government.