Becoming a US Citizen: What You Need to Know
El Paso knows life on the border. We see the international bridges and the bed of water that separates Mexico and the United States. For those who don’t live here, there’s a misunderstanding in what separates these two nations. In terms of geographical demarcation, a physical border does separate us. Yet, there are deeper reasons why our country is a desired place to relocate to and why citizenship is a goal for many. The United States stands out from other countries given our history and the principles that founded the nation and this great Constitutional Republic.
If You are on the journey to becOming a U.S. citizen, you will eventually have to take a written test proving you understand critical aspects and ideas about living in our country. For that reason, we thought we’d take a look at some of these questions, what they mean, and why they are important.
Citizenship Test Questions: The United States Declaration of Independence
The citizenship test will ask you about the law of the land known as the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence was written on July 4th, 1776. The Constitution came later in 1787. This document, along with the Declaration of Independence are foundational documents that not only mark an important date but key principles that drive our country today. While the Declaration of Independence declared independence from England, it accomplished much more than that. Reading and understanding The Declaration of Independence is a vital part of preparing for the U.S. citizenship test.
Rights Endowed By the Creator
The Declaration pronounced that all men are created equal and have inherent rights ordained by the creator. In other words, unlike England, who believed that the King ruled over every citizen and had dominion over them, the colonies were parting from that idea and declaring that all human beings have an innate right and worth that is not provided to them by the government but by a higher power. In the U.S., the government is for the people and by the people, it’s not a hierarchical ruler that is deemed all powerful. This was an incredible declaration at the time and remains the case today. Many great nations have since modeled their Constitution after the United States because of that idea. This what truly separates America from other countries. We believe in the individual and the greatness that rests in each person when they are free. Essentially, the colonies were saying that we wanted to rule over ourselves and thus would no longer be beholden by a government that was across the ocean and did not understand their needs, their land, or their concerns.
Instead, the founders believed that all men had the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words, taken in large part from the English philosopher John Locke in the tradition of natural law, which would come to define a nation that to this day the leader of freedom, economic mobility, innovation, and prosperity.
The Declaration was not just written overnight, of course. And while Thomas Jefferson is often given the majority of the credit in drafting the Declaration, the ideas of other founding fathers contributed to what would form the Constitution and the government. In a series of back and forth discussions called the Federalist Papers, the great minds of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay defined what the government of America would look like, how it would be governed, structured, and the principles that guided it.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution include key freedoms and provisions that also differentiate America from every other nation. The first two amendments of the Bill of Rights are vastly significant to the country and important to analyze. We’ll talk about these amendments in more detail in the next post, but for now, it is important to remember that America was founded on freedom and the belief in the individual. Freedom of speech and religion, as well as the freedom to bear arms, are key parts of maintaining the autonomy of the people. There is no other country with the freedom of speech and absolute protected rights (with restrictions of incitement of violence) embedded in their Constitution and founding documents.
Summary: Why the Citizenship Test Matters
While the test for citizenship does not ask you to explain the background of how America was founded in detail, the questions do point to something important. They are intended to make sure you better understand the country you are joining and why this nation is so special. The test will ask you questions regarding separation of powers, the Constitution, the amendments, and about our nation’s key figures such as the Father of the Country, our first president, George Washington. It was Washington himself, in his farewell address that declared what a treasure the colonies had built and said that “the name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism.” Washington talked about the importance of the Union and the power and responsibility of the people to keep it functional and responsible.
The Law Offices of Rios & Parada, PLLC is Here to Lead You to Citizenship
If you’ve been living in the U.S. as a resident for three to five years (depending on how you gained residency) you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. The process can be overwhelming but that’s why our law firm is here to help you. Here at Rios & Parada, we can help you on this great journey. Connect with us today to learn more.