A Crash Course On Citizenship!

Fidel Campuzano joins Kate to talk about how to become a citizen so you can vote!

Watch this video to learn the difference between acquired and derived citizenship and naturalization.

3:50 In order to meet the requirements for naturalization, you must be 18 years old, and you must have had your green card for 5 years. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, that time frame is shortened to 3 years. During this “look-back” period, you must be able to demonstrate that you are a citizen of good moral character. This includes no arrests, no outstanding child support payments, or no outstanding IRS payments. If you want citizenship, and you have a criminal history, let us know and we will review your case. We will tell you the truth about your eligibility.

7:40 Have you taken any long trips (six months or longer) outside of the United States? If you have taken longer than a 12 month leave from the country, you will need to start the count over. When you’re filing for citizenship after 5 years, the look-back period should demonstrate that you have been in the United States for at least 913 days. In order to file, you must have 90 days of residence in the location where you are filing.

11:32 One of the requirements on the Civics Test is that you are able to read and write in English. There are a couple of ways to take the test in your native language. If you are 50+ years old, and you’ve had your green card for over 20 years, you are eligible to take the civics test in your native language and you don’t have to read or write in English. If you are 55+ years old, and you’ve had your green card for 15 years, you are eligible for take the civics test in your native language and you don’t have to read or write in English. There is also a medical exemption for those who have a disability or brain injury. A doctor will need to confirm this in writing in order to receive the waiver. We will work together with the doctor to make sure that all the forms and diagnoses are properly presented.

13:49 What is going on with processing times during the pandemic and election? It takes about 6-12 months in San Antonio to process citizenship cases.

15:50 Kate and Fidel do a practice citizenship test! Learn how the test works, where the questions come from, how many you have to answer correctly, etc.

Sample questions:

• What is freedom of religion?
• What is economic system in the U.S.?
• What are two parts of U.S. Congress?
• How many U.S. Senators are there?
• How long is a Senator elected?
• In what month do we vote for president?
• What are two cabinet level positions?
• What does the judicial branch do?

20:30 FB User Question on Processing Times

22:49 What are some of the rights that are obtained as a citizen?

24:27 Who can vote? Here are the details! 26:00 Watch to see who has Kate’s vote in Austin!

27:59 We do not want to support “Save Austin Now” because it is criminalizing homelessness!

Be careful what you sign. Remember to register to vote!! Call or text us at 512-599-8500 to begin your citizenship process today or if you need resources to vote.

More info here