HUF Citizenship Podcast: Recent Episodes
HUF Civic Engagement Department
Magaly Alvarado Associate Director of Hispanic Unity of Florida and a special guest invited to talk about getting prepared for your U.S. Citizenship Interview. This information and tips are for everyone, especially those Legal permanent Residents eligible to apply for the U.S. citizenship. For more information and more resources please visit our website:https://hufcitizen.org/Our phone number is: (954)964-8884
We know, the New N-400 was released on April 1st, 2024. Based on the number of applicants that are still under the old version of the N-400 we dedicated this podcast with the most difficult questions during the interview. English skills, understanding and obeying commands will be crucial to pass the test.
Difficult questions are all over the N-400. Listen to our Podcast to follow our instruction and discover what critical aspects of the Naturalization interview.
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Today, we will dedicate our time to go over the most difficult questions asked during the Naturalization interview. Let’s remember that during the interview, USCIS adjudicators will be reviewing your English skills, your knowledge about your personal questions, and your ability to respond to civics questions
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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 have to take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English test, and a civics test.
In this episode, we discuss some of the questions officers will ask during the interview and review the correct answers to each of them.
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Preguntas de educación cívica del Examen de Naturalización
A continuación encontrará 100 preguntas y respuestas de educación cívica (historia y gobierno de EE.UU.) del examen de naturalización. El examen de educación cívica es un examen oral durante el cual el oficial de USCIS le hará 10 de estas 100 preguntas. El solicitante debe contestar correctamente 6 de las 10 preguntas para aprobar la sección de educación cívica del examen de naturalización.
En el examen de naturalización, algunas respuestas varían y pueden cambiar por motivo de elecciones o nombramientos. Los solicitantes deben tener conocimiento de las respuestas actuales a estas preguntas. Los solicitantes deben contestar estas preguntas con el nombre del oficial o funcionario que sirve en el puesto al momento de su entrevista con USCIS. El oficial de USCIS no aceptará una respuesta equivocada.
Aunque USCIS reconoce que podría haber otras respuestas correctas a las 100 preguntas sobre educación cívica, recomendamos al solicitante responder usando las respuestas que se proveen aquí.
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Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test Each writing test administered to an applicant will contain no more than three (3) sentences. An applicant must write one (1) out of three (3) sentences correctly in order to demonstrate an ability to write in English. To help an applicant prepare, these word strips and copy sheets contain all the words found in the English writing portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civics and history topics.
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The Immigration and Nationality Act provides for special consideration of the civics test for applicants who, at the time of filing their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, are over 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
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The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the naturalization test are listed below.
The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
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Preguntas de educación cívica del Examen de Naturalización
A continuación encontrará 100 preguntas y respuestas de educación cívica (historia y gobierno de EE.UU.) del examen de naturalización. El examen de educación cívica es un examen oral durante el cual el oficial de USCIS le hará 10 de estas 100 preguntas. El solicitante debe contestar correctamente 6 de las 10 preguntas para aprobar la sección de educación cívica del examen de naturalización.
En el examen de naturalización, algunas respuestas varían y pueden cambiar por motivo de elecciones o nombramientos. Los solicitantes deben tener conocimiento de las respuestas actuales a estas preguntas. Los solicitantes deben contestar estas preguntas con el nombre del oficial o funcionario que sirve en el puesto al momento de su entrevista con USCIS. El oficial de USCIS no aceptará una respuesta equivocada.
Aunque USCIS reconoce que podría haber otras respuestas correctas a las 100 preguntas sobre educación cívica, recomendamos al solicitante responder usando las respuestas que se proveen aquí.
Si usted tiene 65 años o más y ha sido residente permanente legal de los Estados Unidos por 20 años o más, usted sólo necesita estudiar las preguntas marcadas con un asterisco (*).
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Marital Status
Your application has questions about your marital status and your spouse.
Marital status means Are you married or single?
Your Marital Status: Are you married?
YES NO Are you single? YES NO
Are you divorced? YES NO
Are you widowed? YES NO
What’s your marital status? I’m _______________________________________.
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Part 9. Time Outside the United States
You will need to prove that you spent the required minimum amount of time in the U.S. in the years leading up to filing your N-400 and that your visits outside the United States (including to Canada and Mexico as well as any other countries) did not last too long.
Physical Presence
Certain applicants must meet physical presence requirements in the United States. Physical presence refers to the number of days you must be physically present in the United States during the required statutory period before you file Form N-400.
In general, you must have been physically present in the United States for a period or periods totaling at least half of the required continuous residence period. We will count the day that you depart from the United States and the day you return as days of physical presence within the United States for naturalization purposes.
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 a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the 2008 version of the civics portion of the naturalization test are listed below. The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
On the naturalization test, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. As you study for the test, make sure that you know the most current answers to these questions. Answer these questions with the name of the official who is serving at the time of your eligibility interview with USCIS.
Original Source: USCIS webpage
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test/100-civics-questions-and-answers-with-mp3-audio-english-version
What is an N-648 and why do I have to do it?
The N-648 is the disability waiver that exempts applicants for U.S. citizenship from (1) demonstrating they can speak, read, and write English, and/or (2) passing a test of U.S. history and civics. With a waiver, the applicant can have the interview in his/her native language and will not have to answer questions about U.S. history and government. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) relies on the medical opinion of the applicant’s doctor in deciding whether to grant the waiver. CIS generally makes a decision as to whether to grant or deny citizenship at the naturalization interview. Under current law, the N-648 must be submitted at the same time as the N-400 application for citizenship.
Note: The doctor completing the N-648 must have the appropriate expertise to diagnose the named disability/ies. If you are not a specialist in the field of the patient’s disability, you should have training, experience or other qualifications to assess such disability. Sometimes, because the regular treating physician has no such training or qualification, a specialist may complete the form. Then, he will need to briefly explain the reason and the plan of treatment.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, 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.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, 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.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemtion, 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.
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.
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.
Oath of AllegianceWhat 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.
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»
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.
Should I Consider U.S. Citizenship?
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.
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
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.
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.