Until recently, Immigration and Naturalization Service dealt with everything related to immigration—including control, immigrant services and citizenship applications. Now the department has been moved within the new Homeland Security Department and split into two separate entities. One deals mainly with enforcement and the other with immigrant services. The second, BCIS or Bureau of Immigration and Citizenship Services, covers applications for citizenship.

Guidelines and Requirements

There are a number of guidelines which determine whether someone is eligible to apply for citizenship. These are outlined in the “General Naturalization Requirements” on the BCIS website.

These guidelines allow those who have been in the United States for at least five years who entered the country legally to apply with requirements on age, knowledge of language, “moral character”/criminal record, knowledge of the constitution, knowledge of U.S. government and history and the oath of allegiance.

Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases

There are different rules for spouses and children of citizens, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, lawful permanent residents with three years of U.S. military service and veterans who have served honorably in periods of armed conflict with hostile foreign forces. In such cases, it can be easier or quicker to gain citizenship.

Study Aides and Materials

Some websites with information about naturalization procedures as well as study guides for the English and civics tests are listed below.

• The official BCIS website has a good amount of information about the process and requirements. This page has links to naturalization requirement information as well as study aides, including practice tests and sample questions.
• On the Naturalization page of the BCIS the comprehensive “Guide to Naturalization” can be accessed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
• The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium (NAPALC) includes naturalization information and fact sheets as well as study questions in various Asian languages on its site.
• This site has 10 citizenship quizzes and a few sample tests which can be taken online.
• This page from the Citizenship News website includes links to many citizenship and immigration related sites. It has a good breakdown of the helpful pages on the BCIS website with links. It also includes links to articles on many issues of concern. There are links to study aides as well.
• This site contains a list of resources, including books and audio and video. It also has a section of online resources with links.
• The National Immigration Forum is an advocacy organization for immigrants’ rights. There is a wealth of information on this site, including under the “Publications and Resources” page immigration facts, an immigration policy handbook, their publications and a page of links (especially focused on Forum associated organizations).
• This website provides helpful and practical information for all immigrants living in the United States.
• The Immigrants Support Network provides comprehensive news updates as well as information regarding rule changes and help filing forms.