Becoming An American- Can You Pass The Tests?

There's a lot of chitter-chatter in the news over the issue of immigration and the granting of citizenship. It's not as easy as many think. Before someone is allowed to even take the tests, there can be a lot of hoops to jump through. Let's take a brief look at them before we even consider the tests themselves.

There are two ways to becoming a U.S. citizen. Either by birth or naturalization. A person who was born outside of the United States, but one of his/her parents is a U.S. citizen. For them a 'Certificate of Citizenship' will be issued. For all others a 'Certificate of Naturalization'. Let's focus on the latter.

To be become a 'naturalized citizen' it begins with petitioning for a 'green card'.

Most are granted to those who have a family member already living in the United States or through a job offer or through Refugee/Asylee Status. There are however over a dozen of other ways one may qualify.

Assuming someone was granted 'Permanent Resident' status (a 'Green Card'). The next step requires a test be taken. BUT, before someone can take that test, they must meet dozens of eligibility requirements. Two of those which apply for most people are-- A single person must be 18 years old and a permanent resident for 5 years without leaving the United States for trips of 6 months or longer. If someone's currently married to a U.S. citizen the permanent residency requirement for their spouse is 3 years and 18 years of age. The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services has a 'A Guide To Naturalization' online which explains who else may qualify.

Assuming someone satisfies the eligibility requirements, they are now allowed to take the 'Naturalization Certificate' tests.

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services has THIS SAMPLE TEST and another one HERE. As well as study materials for the tests. I did both of those sample tests and had 1 wrong.

Fact Monster.com has another one. I did that one and had none wrong.

Atlantic.com has another one. This one's a bit tougher. I scored a 50.

How well did you do on these tests?

A Guide to Naturalization
Frequently Asked Questions