Question Answer For American Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone for many immigrants. It secures permanent residency and grants access to numerous privileges and opportunities. Below, we cover frequently asked questions for American citizenship, focusing on eligibility, the naturalization process, and its benefits.

Who is Eligible to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Eligibility for U.S. citizenship depends on factors such as your green card status, time spent in the United States, and military service.

General Requirements:

• Five-Year Rule: If you hold a green card without any special circumstances, you can apply for citizenship after five years. You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during this period.
• Three-Year Rule: If married to a U.S. citizen and living with them, you can apply for citizenship three years after obtaining your green card. Physical presence in the U.S. for 18 months during that period is required.
• Military Service: You may qualify if you have served for at least one year in the U.S. military without needing to meet the green card time requirements.

Applicants must meet these additional criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have resided in the U.S. without long absences.
• Maintain “good moral character,” meaning a clean criminal record.

What Are the Steps to U.S. Citizenship?

The naturalization process includes several steps that lead to becoming a U.S. citizen. Below is a guide through the process.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Before applying, use the naturalization eligibility worksheet to confirm whether you meet the requirements.

Fill Form N-400

The Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is your formal application. It can be filed online or by mail. Make sure to gather supporting documents and pay the required fees.

Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

If necessary, you’ll receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.

Participate in an Interview

USCIS will schedule an interview to review your application. Be prepared to answer U.S. citizenship and immigration questions, including those about your background and eligibility.

Pass the Naturalization Test

You will take two examinations where you will be tested on questions for the U.S. citizenship:

• The English Test evaluates your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• The Civics Test covers U.S. history and government.

Take the Oath of Allegiance

Once approved, you will participate in a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.

What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?

Naturalized citizens enjoy a range of advantages, including:

• Voting Rights: As a citizen, you can vote in local, state, and federal elections, shaping the country’s future.
• Employment Opportunities: Certain federal jobs are exclusive to U.S. citizens, often offering higher salaries and employment benefits.
• No More Status Renewal: Citizens do not have to renew their green cards or file immigration paperwork again.
• Access to Federal Benefits: Citizens have full access to Social Security, Medicare, and federal college aid programs.
• Freedom from Deportation: Unlike green card holders, citizens cannot be deported. They have long-term security.
• Sponsoring Family Members: As a citizen, you can sponsor relatives for lawful permanent residency.
• Automatic Citizenship for Children: Children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens once they are naturalized.
• International Travels: Use the U.S. passport to easily travel to over 180 countries and access U.S. embassy services during emergencies.

The US Citizenship Exam

The US citizenship exam is an essential step in the naturalization process. During your USCIS interview, you will take a two-part test to assess your English language skills and your knowledge of U.S. civics. You will face common U.S. citizen questions and answers.

The exam consists of two parts:

• English Language Test: The test evaluates your ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Civics Test: The test assesses your knowledge of U.S. history, government, and foundational principles. The USCIS officer will ask up to 10 United States citizen questions from a pool of 100. You must correctly answer at least six to pass.

U.S. Citizen Questions and Answers to Expect

Below is an extensive list of frequently asked questions for the U.S. Citizenship and answers you need to study:

Principles of U.S. Democracy

• What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution
• What does the Constitution do? Sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights of Americans
• The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? We the People
• What is an amendment? A change (to the Constitution), an addition (to the Constitution)
• What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? The Bill of Rights
• What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government
• How many amendments does the Constitution have? Twenty-seven (27)

The U.S. Government

• Name one branch or part of the government. Congress, legislative, president, executive, the courts, judicial
• What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? Checks and balances, separation of powers
• Who is in charge of the executive branch? The President
• Who makes federal laws? Congress, Senate and House (of Representatives), U.S. or national legislature

The Presidency and Laws

• If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? The Vice President
• If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? The Speaker of the House
• Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? The President
• Who signs bills to become laws? The President

Rights and Responsibilities

• What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? Serve on a jury, vote in a federal election
• Name one right only for United States citizens. Vote in a federal election, run for federal office
• What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? Freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms
• What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? The United States, the flag

U.S. History: Key Events

• Why did the colonists fight the British? Because of high taxes (taxation without representation), because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering), because they didn’t have self-government
• Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? (Thomas) Jefferson
• When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? July 4, 1776
• What happened at the Constitutional Convention? The Constitution was written, the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution
• When was the Constitution written? 1787
• What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? U.S. diplomat, oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, first Postmaster General of the United States, writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” started the first free libraries
• Who is the “Father of Our Country”? (George) Washington
• Who was the first President? (George) Washington

Wars and Movements

• Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s. War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War
• What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), saved (or preserved) the Union, led the United States during the Civil War
• What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? Freed the slaves, freed slaves in the Confederacy
• What movement tried to end racial discrimination? Civil rights movement
• What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do? Fought for civil rights, worked for equality for all Americans

Symbols and Holidays

• Why does the flag have 13 stripes? Because there were 13 original colonies, because the stripes represent the original colonies
• Why does the flag have 50 stars? Because there is one star for each state, because each star represents a state, because there are 50 states
• What is the name of the national anthem? The Star-Spangled Banner
• When do we celebrate Independence Day? July 4
• Name two national U.S. holidays. New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas

Why Prepare for the Citizenship Exam?

Passing the naturalization test grants you the rights and benefits mentioned earlier, including:

• Voting in federal elections
• Access to federal jobs and benefits
• Protecting your family through sponsorship
• Participating fully as a U.S. citizen

By understanding these questions for American citizenship and knowing what to expect, you will be well on your way to joining the millions of naturalized citizens who proudly call the United States home.

Review the U.S. citizenship and immigration questions and answers regularly to ensure your success. Visit the official USCIS website or speak with a licensed immigration attorney for professional assistance.

FAQs about U.S. Citizenship