Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview

Product Description

Everything you need to become a naturalized U.S. citizen
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 10th 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.

Review

“The best, most accurate explanation of immigration laws for nonlawyers thus far.”
Immigration Law Today.
“Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview is a practical, reader-friendly guide to making the transition from green card holder to naturalized U.S. citizen, thereby earning benefits including the right to vote, the opportunity to apply for certain federal jobs, faster immigration for family members, protection against deportation, and more. Chapters discuss how to discern whether one is eligible for citizenship, the risks and rewards of applying, how to fill out application forms, preparing for the citizenship exam as well as interviews, and much more. It should be noted that the publisher’s website nolo.com includes a wealth of resources for prospective American citizens, such as legal updates to Becoming a U.S. Citizen and in-depth profiles of immigration lawyers in one’s area. While Becoming a U.S. Citizen cannot substitute for the counsel of a trained attorney, it is a “must-read” and worthy of the highest recommendation, even (especially!) if one retains the services of a lawyer.” Library Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review “The clearest, most accurate explanation of immigration laws for nonlawyers thus far.”
American Immigration Lawyers Association
From the Author: One of the most joyous parts of working as an attorney representing immigrants was when they successfully became U.S. citizens. It represents so much—years of effort getting through the immigration bureaucracy, acceptance into U.S. society, new opportunities to participate in the democratic process, and an improved ability to petition for immediate or close family members. It’s also security against deportation. Although green card holders (lawful permanent residents) have a right to remain in the U.S. and work here, they can be removed on various grounds, and are subject to the latest whims of Congress or the federal government. That makes this a particularly important time for citizen seekers to carefully examine their eligibility and avoid mistakes when applying, which this book helps them do.

About the Author

Ilona Bray, J.D. is an award-winning author and legal editor at Nolo, specializing in immigration law, real estate, and nonprofit fundraising. She has been quoted as a real estate expert in publications across the country, including
Money Magazine, Kiplinger, the
New York Times, the
Boston Herald, and the
San Francisco Chronicle. Many of her books are consistent Nolo bestsellers, among them
Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, U.S. Immigration Made Easy, and
Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home. She particularly enjoys interviewing people and weaving their stories into her books.
Bray’s working background includes solo practice, nonprofit, and corporate stints, as well as lon