Becoming a U.S. citizen: a guide to the law, exam, & interview

The sooner a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen, the sooner he or she gains a host of benefits: the right to vote and apply for certain federal jobs, faster immigration for family, protection against deportation or new anti-immigration legislation, and more.

But the application process itself can be long and confusing—and at worst, create a risk of deportation. With Becoming a U.S. Citizen, you can save months, or even years, and avoid complications.

Learn how to:

• make sure you are eligible for citizenship
• understand the risks and rewards of applying
• fill out application forms
• study for the citizenship exam
• interview successfully, and
• deal with any setbacks.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen also shows you how to ask for a reduced fee or take advantage of special exceptions if you have a disability, are in the military, or are the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

The 9th edition is updated with the latest laws, procedures, and government policies. It includes sample forms, handy checklists, and a study guide to the citizenship exam.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Readers should take note that a new version of the Form N-400 application for citizenship came out in September 2019, subsequent to this book's printing. Fortunately it's almost identical: the same questions in the same order. Thus the instructions in Nolo's book are still valid. However, please take note of a printing error in this ninth edition. While the instructions correctly explain that only certain types of people can safely answer "No" to any of Questions 45-50 in Part 12 of the form (asking about things like support for the Constitution and willingness to serve in U.S. armed forces), and that most people should answer "Yes" to all, the sample form shows "X" marks in the "No" column. Readers should disregard this portion of the sample. For more info check the update here:https://www.nolo.com/legal-updates/new-n-400-naturalization-application-form-required-by-uscis.html