UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Immigration and Naturalization Service
INFORMATION CONCERNING CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
TO MEET NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS
A person who is applying for his naturalization as a citizen of the United States will be
required to meet certain educational and literacy requirements prescribed by law, unless
his case comes within the exceptions which the law allows. These requirements, and the
exceptions, are as follows:
1. He must show ability to read, write and speak simple words in ordinary usage in
the English language.
Exceptions: This requirement does not apply to persons who are physically unable
to read, write or speak English. It also does not apply to persons who were over
fifty years of age on December 24, 1952, and had been living in the United States for
at least twenty years on that date.
2. He must be able to sign his name in English.
Exceptions: This requirement does not apply to persons who are physically unable
to do so. In addition, persons who were over fifty years of age on December 24,
1952, and had been living in the United States for at least twenty years may sign
their name in a foreign language. x
3. He must show an understanding of the fundamental principles of the United States
Government and of the Constitution, and the important historical facts related to the
development of the United States.
There Are No Exceptions to This Requirement, except in the cases of certain women
who lost United States citizenship by marriage to an alien.
The examination on the above requirements takes place at the time the applicant appears
with his witnesses to file the petition. The questions are given orally by a naturalization
examiner. To help applicants prepare themselves for citizenship and to meet the tests,
citizenship classes conducted by public schools in many communities, in cooperation with
the Immigration and Naturalization Service, offer free instruction. Many applicants for
citizenship have been greatly helped by attendance at these classes. Persons interested
should inquire of the Department of Public Education, or of a school in the community as to
the availability of classes and class schedules. Such information may also be available from
an office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or Clerk of Court.
Persons who cannot conveniently attend citizenship classes may find it possible to prepare themselves through correspondence courses in citizenship education conducted by
educational institutions. The names and addresses of such institutions are contained in the
attached list. Full information concerning these courses may be obtained by writing direct
to the institution.
For those who cannot arrange to attend classes or participate in a correspondence
course through an educational institution, a home study program has been prepared by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service. The text material which is available for this purpose is included in the attached list.
In addition to the citizenship classes and courses which are available to persons preparing for citizenship, the Immigration and Naturalization Service publishes textbooks on
citizenship, in several parts. These books are is sued without cost to applicants for naturalization who are studying within or under the supervision of the public schools. Those who are
not eligible to receive these books free, because they are not studying under the supervision
of a public school, may nevertheless purchase any of the books from The Superintendent of
Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C, by writing to that office,
stating clearly the particular book desired, and enclosing cash (at the sender's risk) or a
money order or check payable to the Superintendent of Documents. Postage stamps are not
acceptable. A list of the textbooks available is attached hereto.
Form M-132
(7-1-59) i