CITIZENSHIP NOTES

WHO/WHAT MAKES A CITIZEN? “A MEMBER OF A STATE OR NATION WHO OWES ALLEGIANCE TO IT BY BIRTH OR NATURALIZATION AND IS ENTITLED TO THE FULL CIVIL RIGHTS.”

REQUIREMENTS 18 years of age 18 years of age Residing in U.S. for 5 years and not leaving for no more than 30 months Residing in U.S. for 5 years and not leaving for no more than 30 months Residing in the same state for 3 months Residing in the same state for 3 months Good moral character Good moral character If male and under 26, must register with the selective service If male and under 26, must register with the selective service No desertion from previous country No desertion from previous country Read, write, and spell English (if over 50, not required) Read, write, and spell English (if over 50, not required)

BENEFITS Right to vote Right to vote Collect benefits from Social Security and Medicare Collect benefits from Social Security and Medicare Travel with a U.S. passport Travel with a U.S. passport Become an elected official Become an elected official Become a Federal employee Become a Federal employee

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY Take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America Take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America Support the U.S. Constitution and obey its laws Support the U.S. Constitution and obey its laws Renounce any foreign allegiance or foreign title Renounce any foreign allegiance or foreign title Bear arms for the U.S. Armed Forces Bear arms for the U.S. Armed Forces

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP Vote-responsibility and privilege Vote-responsibility and privilege Jury Duty Jury Duty Serve in the Armed Forces (If male and Under 26, must register with Selective Service) Serve in the Armed Forces (If male and Under 26, must register with Selective Service) Obey laws, respect rights of others, pay taxes honestly, volunteer services, participation in community efforts Obey laws, respect rights of others, pay taxes honestly, volunteer services, participation in community efforts Apply for U.S. passport so you may travel outside the country. Apply for U.S. passport so you may travel outside the country.

CITIZENSHIP TEST Provide documentation of residency Provide documentation of residency Know basic concepts of democracy, civic learning, and basic values of America Know basic concepts of democracy, civic learning, and basic values of America You will have 3 chances to read and write a sentence in English and must score 1/3 sentences correctly. You will have 3 chances to read and write a sentence in English and must score 1/3 sentences correctly. Interview process Interview process Fee for Citizenship application is $390 and finger printing is required. Fee for Citizenship application is $390 and finger printing is required.