How Difficult is it to Become a Citizen?, Dred Scott v. Sandford, Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

How Difficult is it to Become a Citizen?

Read through the details of the citizenship process.

Identify two steps of the process that you consider most essential. For each of these steps, explain why that step is so important.
Identify two steps of the process that you consider least essential. For each of these steps, explain why that step is not very important.

Before Applying

Candidates for naturalization must have been a permanent resident for the past five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. An applicant must also be a person of "good moral character."

Examples of actions that might show a lack of good moral character:

Lying to gain immigration benefits
Illegal gambling
Failure to pay court-ordered child-support or alimony payments
Habitual drunkenness/drunken driving
Abuse of controlled substances
Prostitution
Polygamy
Any crime against a person with intent to harm
Terrorist acts

Applying

Complete the ten-page Application for Naturalization (Form N_ 400)
Have two photographs taken.
Collect other necessary documents.
- A photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident Card
- A check or money order for the $330 processing fee & the $70 biometrics fee.
Other documents that may be required:
- Proof that a spouse has been a legal resident for at least three years
- A marriage certificate
- Proof of termination of a previous marriage
- Certification of military service
- Copies of court or government orders to provide financial support
- Official records involving prior criminal charges
- Income tax returns
- Letter from a church attesting to applicant's "good moral character"
Send the application, photos, documents, and fee to the appropriate service center.
Receive an appointment letter from the USCIS for fingerprinting.
Get fingerprints taken for FBI criminal background check.
Wait for USCIS to schedule an interview; the wait can often be longer than a year.
Receive an appointment for an interview. Applicants must take an English test to prove they can read, write, and speak English. They must also take a civics test. Applicants may be required by USCIS to provide additional documents.
Decision, with three possible outcomes:

Granted: In some cases, the oath ceremony can take place the same day.

Receive a ceremony date to take the oath.
Return the Permanent Resident Card.
Take the Oath of Allegiance, renouncing allegiance to any foreign state or sovereignty.
Receive the Certificate of Naturalization.

Continued: Case is put on hold. Common reasons are failing the English and civics tests or failing to give the USCIS the needed documents.

Denied: There is an administrative review process for applicants who are denied.

Philip P. Pan, "Naturalization: An Unnatural Process Series: LA NUEVA
	VIDA; The Road to Citizenship; Third in an occasional series" The
	Washington Post, Washington, D.C., Jul 4, 2000, p. A.1.