The following article was written by Patti Fellows, a One-to-One Adult Literacy Partners Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Could you pass the naturalization test to become a U.S. citizen? A nationwide study done by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars in 2018 found that just 1 in 3 American citizens could complete a 10-question multiple-choice version of the civics portion of the U.S. Citizenship Test with 60% or better, which is the current criteria for passing. If we were giving letter grades, 3% of the Wisconsin citizens that took the test in this study received an A, 10% a B, 14% a C, 15% a D, and a whopping 58% failed!
Now, add-on paying a $760 fee to take this test orally (no multiple choice) in your non-native language, given by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, and you get an idea of how daunting the process might be for those seeking American citizenship. So, the Manitowoc Public Library is here to help!
Starting October 2 and running weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 PM in MPL’s Second Floor Board Room through December 11, the free “Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test” class will be taught by retired local attorney, Mike Lambert. The course has two main objectives: to prepare applicants for their naturalization test and interview, and to assist with the actual application process, as needed.
During the classes, Mr. Lambert provides materials, strategies, and practice for mastering the correct answers for the 100 possible U.S. history/civics questions that applicants might be asked during their interview, which will take place in Milwaukee. Applicants are asked 10 questions at random from the 100 possible given, so they must be prepared for all 100.
Take a look at some of the actual questions. How would you do?
- How many amendments does the Constitution have?
- What is the “rule of law?”
- Name your U.S. Representative.
- If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- When was the Constitution written?
- Who was President during World War I?
- Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
- Name oneS. Territory.
- Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
If you’re curious to see where you’d fall (or fail) on the U.S. Citizenship test, check it out online: https://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/test. Try it several times, as it randomly gives 10 of the 100 possible civics questions each time. Unfortunately, we do not offer Citizenship classes for current U.S. citizens.
To be eligible for the Citizenship class, applicants must be able to speak, write, and understand Basic English, and have a Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) for at least five years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years. Interested applicants MUST pre-register by calling (920) 686-3026 or emailing Patti Fellows at pfellows@manitowoc.org. Class size is limited to 10 students, so register early to guarantee a spot.