HUF Citizenship Podcast

Mock session -N-400 Interview

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

• During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. 
• During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

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Exceptions and Accommodations

There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.   
 For more information visit the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

English Language Exemptions

You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:

Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years   (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
 OR

Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.

You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.

If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

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What is the Oath of Allegiance?

The Oath of Allegiance is the public oath that you will take at your naturalization ceremony.

It says:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

I do not understand the Oath of Allegiance. What does it mean?

The Oath asks you to let go of loyalty to the government of your home country. This is important because the U.S. wants its citizens to be loyal to the United States. The Oath also asks you to support the Constitution and to defend its values. This is very important because the Constitution contains the rights and responsibilities for U.S. citizens. The Oath also asks you to defend and uphold these values by being willing to serve in the armed forces and perform work of national importance. When you take the Oath, it should be something you are choosing to do. No one should be forcing you.
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The Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.

The original Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy (1855 - 1931), a Baptist minister, in August 1892. The Pledge was published in the September 8th issue of The Youth's Companion, the leading family magazine and the Reader's Digest of its day. In 1892, Francis Bellamy was also a chairman of a committee of state superintendents of education in the National Education Association. As its chairman, he prepared the program for the public schools' quadricentennial celebration for Columbus Day in 1892. He structured this public school program around a flag raising ceremony and a flag salute - his Pledge of Allegiance.

Other Translations

Spanish:

"Yo prometo lealtad a la bandera
de los estados Unidos de America,
y a la Republica que representa,
una Nacion bajo Dios,
entera,
con libertad y justicia para todos."

French:

J'engage ma fidélité au drapeau des États-Unis d´Amérique et à la République qu'il représente, une nation sous Dieu, indivisible, avec liberté et justice pour tous."

Russian:
Клятва верности Флагу: «Я клянусь в верности Флагу Соединенных Штатов Америки и республике, за которую он стоит, единой нации под Богом, неделимой, со свободой и справедливостью для всех»

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Test Overview
The English portion of the naturalization test has three components: speaking, reading, and writing.

• Your ability to speak English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• For the reading test, you must read one out of three sentences correctly.
• For the writing test, you must write one out of the three sentences correctly.

During the civics portion of the naturalization test, you will be asked up to 10 questions out of a possible 100 questions.

• You must answer correctly six of the 10 questions to pass the civics test in English.

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Practice W questions and review the N-400 information.

What are the 5 Ws?
The Five Ws questions are questions whose answers are considered basic in information-gathering. They include Who, What, When Where, and Why.
 They constitute a formula for getting the complete story on a subject. According to the principle of the Five Ws, a report can only be considered complete if it answers these questions starting with an interrogative form:

• Who is it about?
• What happened?
• When did it take place?
• Where did it take place?
• Why did it happen?

Please make sure you practice them all.

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 How do I apply for naturalization?
To apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Process:

Step 1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen

Step 2. Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen

Step 3. Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Step 4. Submit your Form N-400 and pay your fees

Step 5. Go to your biometrics appointment, if applicable

Step 6. Complete the interview

Step 7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400

Step 8. Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance

Step 9. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

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Naturalization is the process to become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States. If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth.

Eligibility

To apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English;
• Demonstrate good moral character;
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• Demonstrate loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

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Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality for all. 

Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. Immigrants have helped shape and define the country we know today. Their contributions help preserve our legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. More than 200 years after our founding, naturalized citizens are still an important part of our democracy. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you too will have a voice in how our nation is governed.

The decision to apply is a significant one. Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government. 

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