Citizenship for Us: A Handbook on Naturalization & Citizenship 5th Edition
Introduction and Acknowledgments
United States citizenship is firmly established in the U.S. Constitution and invites newcomers to
participate in the democratic process. It breaks down inequities between people from different origins and establishes equal protection, rights, and responsibilities for all citizens. It speaks to the uniqueness of this nation’s immigrant history and the possibility of immigrant contributions to our society and future generations.
The purpose of Citizenship for Us is to inform a broad audience of readers who promote and participate in the naturalization process, including legal representatives, advocates, teachers, and most importantly, applicants. This book attempts to provide clear and concise information that is up-todate and comprehensive, covering changes in the law, regulations, and procedures. Contributors to this book hope that it will encourage more immigrants to apply, facilitate the naturalization process, promote greater advocacy for individuals to know and secure their rights, and encourage participation in the U.S. democratic process.
This book developed from CLINIC’s work to promote naturalization within its mission to expand charitable, professional, and affordable legal services to low-income immigrants. Citizenship for Us was originally funded through a grant from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. This revised 5th edition is generously funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. CLINIC gratefully acknowledges this support while noting that the funders are not responsible for the book’s content.
Many people contributed to the research, writing, design, production, and marketing of this book. As principal author, Aliza Becker conducted extensive research on citizenship policies and practices. She combined the results with her extensive naturalization writing, teaching, and program experience to produce a well-developed draft of all the chapters. Jeff Chenoweth and Laura Burdick of CLINIC have worked on each edition as the book’s producers on all stages of development, contributing additional research, writing, content and style edits, photographs, and distribution ideas.
The 5th edition has been updated to include significantly revised naturalization test content and expanded civic participation content. Emily Butera, formerly of CLINIC, revised the test preparation study guide found in Chapter 5. Chapter 11 is a new chapter that provides the reader with an appreciation for civic engagement before and after naturalization. Hilary Binder-Aviles and Yimeen Vu of Mosaica: The Center for Nonprofit Development and Pluralism wrote Chapter 11.
Earlier editions benefited from significant assistance. Juan Osuna, former editor of Interpreter Releases, provided comprehensive, first-draft edits to the first edition. CLINIC attorney Jack Holmgren and former CLINIC attorney Laurie Joyce provided essential legal and style edits. CLINIC attorney Charles Wheeler provided final legal edits to Chapters 2 and 3. CLINIC’s Executive Director, Donald Kerwin, also provided edits. Tsegaye Wolde, formerly of CLINIC, worked on the production of the first edition and created an extensive distribution list.
The first edition also benefited from the assistance of the following persons: Hussein Affey, TIA Chicago Connections; Jeff Bright, Albany Park Community Center; Fred Tsao, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Doug Lewis, Election Center; Marketa Lindt, private attorney; Michelle Neal, Interchurch Refugee and Immigration Ministries; Gerald Noel, Office of Immigration and Refugee Services; Beth O’Grady, Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly; and Susan Wexler, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of Chicago. In addition, Stephen Rosenbaum of Protection and Advocacy, Inc., provided input on Chapter 7 while Daniel Levy of the National Immigration Project and E. B. Duarte, Don Crocetti, and Bob Okin of the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s Central Office consulted on Chapter 8.
Finally, CLINIC wishes to express deep appreciation to the staff of its network of member agencies for providing direct services and working professionally on behalf of low-income immigrants for the Church.
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CHAPTER ONE: The Citizenship Decision
CHAPTER TWO: Citizenship Requirements
CHAPTER THREE: Overview of the Process
CHAPTER FOUR: Filling out the N-400
CHAPTER FIVE: The Citizenship Test
CHAPTER SEVEN: The Disability Waiver and Accommodations
CHAPTER EIGHT: Citizenship for Children
CHAPTER NINE: The Naturalization Oath Ceremony
CHAPTER TEN: Now That You Are A Citizen
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Practicing Citizenship