Citizenship Resources and Programs

 

Library Resources | Web Resources | Immigrant Organizations 

         Please click here for a list of Citizenship Programs at the Library


Library Resources

Library materials and online resources to prepare for citizenship.

  • LearningExpressLibrary  via NYPL
    Practice for the U. S. History and Civics questions for the Citizenship Exam. This service is available free to the NYPL cardholders. Select Online Test and Course Resources: U.S. Citizenship.
     
  • Freedom Flix via NYPL
    ​Dynamic e-books from Scholastic that cover a wide range of topics, from American history to the democratic process. Patrons can click on the different topics within the e-books to learn more, and can also have the book read out loud to them. This can be helpful in familiarizing yourself with different ways people speak English. There are also accompanying videos for almost every topic that explain the content.  

  • NYPL Blog:  Citizenship Resources
    Some resources from the New York Public Library to help patrons who are studying for the Naturalization Test, including english practice, test materials, and other interactive resources.
    Also available in Spanish

  • NYPL Blog: Free Websites to Practice English at Home
    A compilation of different websites and resources for patrons to learn and practice English from home. 
    Also available in Spanish

Materials you can borrow:

Learn about the United States

Web Resources

A listing of websites containing citizenship preparation guides, questions and answers.

U.S. Citizenship Basics

  • Becoming a U.S. Citizen
    Briefly explains the importance of becoming a citizen and the application process.
  • The Application Process (10 Steps to Naturalization)
    Information on the requirements and application process to become a U.S. Citizen.
  • Eligibility and Testing
    General and special requirements for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
  • A Guide to Naturalization
    A Guide to Naturalization and M-599, Naturalization Information for Military Personnel.  USCIS manuals with information on the process and eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen. Available in PDF format.
  • Lawful Permanent Residence ("Green Card")
    A list of common questions and answers about how to become a U.S. citizen.
  • New Americans Campaign
    Learn the economic benefits of naturalization.
  • Citizenshipworks
    Learn about the naturalization process, take a basic Eligibility Screen to see if you qualify, and be guided through the application form from start to finish.

Naturalization Test Study Materials

A listing of possible questions that may be asked during the citizenship exam.

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Study Materials
    Find materials to help you study for the Citizenship Test, from flashcards and other study materials. Some highlights include flashcards for the reading and writing portion of the test, a compilation of the 100 questions that can be asked at the interview, and some videos with an overview of the interview itself.
    Some resources  on the USCIS website include:
    -Preparing for the Naturalization Test—A Pocket Study Guide: a small guide to which questions will be on the test
    -Civics Flashcards for the Naturalization Test: flash cards of the questions so patrons can prepare and test themselves at home
    -The Naturalization Test— A Video: a video example of what the naturalization test looks like, and some examples of questions that may be asked.
    -Preparing for the Oath: an interactive resource where patrons can learn more about different topics such as the systems of government or the courts, and can take a practice test
     
  • Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
    From the Smithsonian Institution, uses museum collections and exhibitions in a web-based learning tool that supports aspiring citizens’ efforts to prepare for the civics portion of the naturalization test.

Associations and Non-Profit Immigration Organizations

Government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that provide information, programs and services on various immigration issues including citizenship.

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs - ActionNYC  
  • Provides the following services: Free legal screenings to find out if you qualify for any immigration benefit for a range of cases, including: Citizenship, Green card applications and renewals, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and more.
  • New York Legal Assistance Group
  • Nonprofit organization that helps with various immigration issues: defending immigrants in removal proceedings, representing immigrants seeking asylum, working to secure green cards, helping immigrants secure citizenship, ensuring access to health care and public benefits for immigrants, providing free community clinics and Know Your Rights workshops, and working with survivors of intimate partner violence and human trafficking
  • Legal Services NYC - Immigrants’ Rights Project
  • Offers representation in a variety of matters, including naturalization applications, work authorization, adjustment of status, replacement of permanent residence cards, alien relative petitions, immigrant visa processing and removal proceedings, domestic violence immigration-related services, including VAWA self-petitions, battered spouse waivers and U-visa applications. 
  • ​Catholic Charities USA
  • Non-profit organization that provides programs and services to immigrants and their families.
  • Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR)
  • Government agency responsible for administering and interpreting Federal immigration laws and regulations. Provides a list of pro bone legal providers that offers legal services free or at a low cost.
  • U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE)
  • The largest investigative bureau of Department of Homeland Security responsible for the investigation of a range of issues, including immigrant detention and deportation.
  • Citizenship Now!
  • CUNY Citizenship Now! sponsors many high-impact, community-based initiatives throughout the year. These special events and programs are designed to bring free immigration resources to all, educate and empower the community, and to strengthen the bonds between local institutions, immigrant communities, and volunteers.
  • New York City Department of Youth and Commnunity Development Immigrant Services
  • DYCD supports more than 80 organizations providing a wide array of services to immigrants and refugees
  • Immigration Advocacy Services
  • A not-for-profit Immigration Outreach Center
  • Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights
  • (NMCIR) works with over 6,000 families a year on issues such as immigration, citizenship, deportation and voter participation focusing on keeping families together, facilitating integration and building community power.
  • Immigration Equality
  • Immigration Equality is a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals. Founded in 1994 as the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, Immigration Equality provides legal aid and advocacy for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants and their families.
  • New York Immigration Coalition
  • The NYIC boasts nearly 200 member organizations, helps foster immigrant community leadership and civic engagement, and puts immigrants at the table in the major public policy debates of the day.
  • Emerald Isle Immigration Center
  • The Emerald Isle Immigration Center's highly qualified staff assists clients in many aspects of immigrant life and law. The EIIC prides itself on the extraordinary services it provides.
  • Carnegie Corporation Great Immigrants
  • Carnegie Corporation of New York has saluted the legacy of Andrew Carnegie and other immigrants every July 4th since 2006. Explore inspiring stories from well known naturalized citizens from all works of life who have made notable contributions to the progress of our society.