This Independence Day, the US celebrates the naturalization of approximately 11,000 new citizens. With a surge in ceremonies, the path to citizenship marks the enduring appeal of the American dream. Applicants showcase their knowledge and dedication through rigorous tests, do you have the knowledge to pass?
Independence Day Celebrations Bring New Citizens
This week, government officials are celebrating Independence Day by welcoming around 11,000 new US citizens. The festivities highlight a significant increase in naturalizations compared to last year.
Record Number of Ceremonies
Between June 23 and July 5, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) organized 195 naturalization ceremonies. This number is nearly double the 5,500 new citizens welcomed during the same period last year.
Citizenship Test Requirements
Before receiving citizenship, applicants must pass a two-part test. The first part assesses their understanding of English.
Civic Knowledge Exam
In the second part, applicants must correctly answer six out of ten civic questions. The oral exam features multiple-choice questions selected from a pool of 100, which applicants can study beforehand.
Can You Pass the US Citizenship Test?
Colonists came to America seeking freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, the right to practice their religion, and to escape persecution. Any of these reasons would be correct on the test.
Father of Our Country
George Washington is recognized as the ‘Father of Our Country.’ He was a founding father and the first President of the United States, as well as the president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Longest Rivers in the US
The Missouri River, the longest in the US, travels over 2,300 miles before joining the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River also spans over 2,300 miles from its source at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
Symbolism of the Flag’s Stripes
The 13 stripes on the American flag symbolize the original US colonies: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Branches of Government
The branches of the US government include Congress, the legislative branch, the President, the executive branch, the courts, and the judicial branch. Naming any one of these branches would be correct on the test.
Location of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It can also be seen from various locations in New Jersey. Acceptable answers include New York, New York Harbor, Liberty Island, New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson River.
Federal Income Tax Deadline
The last day to send in federal income tax forms is April 15.
Writers of the Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support the Constitution and a strong federal government. Any of these names would be a correct answer.
First Amendment Rights
The First Amendment protects five key rights: speech, religion, assembly, press, and petitioning the government. Any of these rights will be marked correct on the test.
Year of the Constitution’s Writing
The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787. Its preamble begins with ‘We The People,’ highlighting that the government serves its citizens.
