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

by Ilona Bray J.D.

Overview

All in one resource for successfully applying for U.S. citizenship.

Written by an experienced attorney, this guide offers everything green card holders (lawful permanent residents) need to know in order to apply for and receive naturalized U.S. citizenship. Includes information on whether would-be applicants meet the strict eligibility criteria (minimum U.S. residence, good moral character, and more), how to prepare and submit Form N-400 and other paperwork, and how to pass the exams and interview. Special focus on dealing with difficulties and delays.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781413331172
Publisher:	NOLO
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Edition description:	Eleventh Edition
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	389,478
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Ilona Bray, J.D. is an award-winning author and legal editor at Nolo, specializing in immigration law, real estate, and nonprofit fundraising. She has been quoted as a real estate expert in publications across the country, including Money Magazine, Kiplinger, the New York Times, the Boston Herald, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Many of her books are consistent Nolo bestsellers, among them Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, U.S. Immigration Made Easy, and Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home. She particularly enjoys interviewing people and weaving their stories into her books.












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 received her law degree and a Master's degree in East Asian (Chinese) Studies from the Universityof Washington. In her spare time she enjoys writing children’s books, going to open houses, and gardening.

Table of Contents

1. Deciding Whether to Apply for Citizenship 2. Are You Eligible for U.S. Citizenship? 3. Preparing and Submitting Your Application 4. Between Filing and Interview: Dealing With the Wait 5. Preparing for the English Exam 6. Preparing for the U.S. History and Government Exam 7. Overcoming Disability When Applying for Citizenship 8. The Interview 9. Denials, Appeals, and Repeat Interviews 10. Legal Help Beyond This Book 11. After You Are Approved Glossary Index

Interviews

For attorneys who work with immigrants, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing clients’ joy at becoming U.S. citizens. It represents so much—years of effort getting through the immigration bureaucracy, acceptance into U.S. society, new opportunities to participate in the democratic process, and ability to petition for immediate or close family members. It’s also security against deportation. Although green card holders (lawful permanent residents) have a right to remain in the U.S. and work here, they can be removed on various grounds, and are subject to the latest whims of Congress or the federal government. That makes this a particularly important time for citizen seekers to carefully examine their eligibility and avoid mistakes when applying, which this book helps readers do.

Editorial Reviews

The best, most accurate explanation of immigration laws for nonlawyers thus far.” Immigration Law Today.

"Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview is a practical, reader-friendly guide to making the transition from green card holder to naturalized U.S. citizen, thereby earning benefits including the right to vote, the opportunity to apply for certain federal jobs, faster immigration for family members, protection against deportation, and more. Chapters discuss how to discern whether one is eligible for citizenship, the risks and rewards of applying, how to fill out application forms, preparing for the citizenship exam as well as interviews, and much more. It should be noted that the publisher's website nolo.com includes a wealth of resources for prospective American citizens, such as legal updates to Becoming a U.S. Citizen and in-depth profiles of immigration lawyers in one's area. While Becoming a U.S. Citizen cannot substitute for the counsel of a trained attorney, it is a "must-read" and worthy of the highest recommendation, even (especially!) if one retains the services of a lawyer." Library Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review

“The clearest, most accurate explanation of immigration laws for nonlawyers thus far.” American Immigration Lawyers Association

From the Author: One of the most joyous parts of working as an attorney representing immigrants was when they successfully became U.S. citizens. It represents so much—years of effort getting through the immigration bureaucracy, acceptance into U.S. society, new opportunities to participate in the democratic process, and an improved ability to petition for immediate or close family members. It’s also security against deportation. Although green card holders (lawful permanent residents) have a right to remain in the U.S. and work here, they can be removed on various grounds, and are subject to the latest whims of Congress or the federal government. That makes this a particularly important time for citizen seekers to carefully examine their eligibility and avoid mistakes when applying, which this book helps them do.

From the Publisher