Becoming a U.S. citizen : a guide to the law, exam & interview / Ilona M. Bray, J.D.

Includes index.

Your companion on the path to U.S. citizenship -- Deciding whether to apply for U.S. citizenship. Disadvantages of applying for citizenship -- Advantages of U.S. citizenship -- Are you eligible for U.S. citizenship. Confirming your permanent resident status -- Your physical location during permanent residency -- The age requirement -- Demonstrating good moral character -- English language skills -- The U.S. history and government exam -- Loyalty to the U.S. -- Overview: Are you ready to apply? -- Preparing and submitting your application. What you'll put in your application packet -- Preparing your cover letter to USCIS -- Filling out USCIS Form N-400 -- Submitting the application -- Between filing and interview: Dealing with the wait. Improving your eligibility for U.S. Citizenship -- Tracking your application and dealing with delays -- If you move or travel -- Requesting emergency attention -- When all else fails, call your U.S. Congressperson -- Preparing for the English exam. How much English you'll need to know -- How USCIS tests your English -- Study resources -- Preparing for the U.S. History and Government exam. Your exam preparation strategy -- Learning the answers to the 100 questions -- The 20 questions for applicants age 65 and older -- Overcoming disability when applying for citizenship. How to become the applicant's designated representative -- How USCIS can accommodate a disability -- Obtaining a disability-based waiver of the exam requirements -- Requesting a waiver of the oath of allegiance requirement -- The interview. Final preparation for interview -- The naturalization interview -- If the interview goes badly -- Approval or denial: What's next? -- Denials, appeals, and repeat interviews. Retaking the citizenship exams -- Providing more documentation -- Choosing to appeal or reapply -- How to appeal denial of naturalization -- What to do if you lose the appeal -- Reapplying for citizenship -- Legal help beyond this book. When do you need a lawyer? -- Gather names of prospective attorneys -- Avoid sleazy lawyers -- Choosing among lawyers -- Signing up your lawyer -- Firing your lawyer -- Do-it-yourself legal research -- After you are approved. The swearing-in ceremony -- How to prove your U.S. Citizenship -- Registering to vote in U.S. elections -- U.S. citizenship for your children -- Helping other family members immigrate -- Words you need to know.

"Green card holders who take the next step and become U.S. citizens gain 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. [...] 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."--Back cover.