At the Community Learning Center, we help English Language Learners get ready to take the U.S. naturalization test. People need to pass this test to become a U.S. citizen.
Our Citizenship Class includes:
- A 2-hour weekly class in Central Square
- English practice with the 100 civics questions
- Help applying for U.S. naturalization test
- Referrals for free help to complete the N-400 application for naturalization
- Practice with reading and writing in English
To Participate in the Program:
- You must live in Cambridge
- You must have beginner or intermediate level English
- You must have had your Green Card for at least 5 years
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be eligible to apply for citizenship
Priority is given to people who are currently enrolled in classes at the CLC.
Are you interested? Contact Whit at WHendon@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6363.
Questions and Answers
Who administers the citizenship test?
You get your citizenship through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. See more details at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
The Community Learning Center can help you get ready.
Who can apply for U.S. Citizenship?
To apply, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a permanent residence card (Green Card) for at least 5 years, or for 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Have had physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months, or 912 days, out of the 5 years (18 months/548 days if married to a U.S. citizen). Applicants must have lived in the state or USCIS district in which they are applying for at least 3 months.
- Have good moral character
- Be willing to take an oath to the United States and its Constitution
How much does it cost to participate in the CLC’s Citizenship Class?
If you have a low income, we will help you apply to have the application fee waved.
What are some of the benefits of becoming a US Citizen?
According to Project Citizenship, 90% of immigrants who are eligible to apply for citizenship don’t apply for citizenship. United States citizenship provides many privileges and benefits.
- Right to Vote: Only U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal elections and to be candidates in most local, state, and federal elections.
- Family reunification: U.S. citizens can petition for overseas family members to receive Green Cards and immigrate legally to the United States.
- Citizenship for children: Children of citizens receive automatic citizenship if they are under 18 years of age and have a Green Card
- Safety: When you naturalize citizenship, you can’t be deported and can travel outside of the country for unlimited periods of time and to any country they wish, without any fear of this affecting immigration status.
- Access to additional government benefits, Federal student aid, and job opportunities available only to U.S. citizens
- International protection: The United States protects its citizens abroad through its embassies and consulates.
- Ability to run for office: Only U.S. citizens can run for Federal office and most State and local offices.