The Top 7 U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization FAQs on Reddit

Every day, thousands turn to Reddit to ask questions about U.S. citizenship and naturalization, but finding reliable answers can be a challenge. Whether you’re already a U.S. citizen or hoping to become one, the immigration process can be confusing and hard to navigate.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 most frequently asked U.S. citizenship and naturalization questions on Reddit, along with clear answers you can trust.

Click on any of the questions below to jump to their answers:

1. Do naturalized citizens have the same rights as U.S.-born citizens?
2. What happens if I make a mistake on my N-400 citizenship application?
3. What questions are asked during the naturalization (N-400) interview?
4. What is the format of the U.S. citizenship test?
5. How many questions do I need to answer correctly to pass the civics test during the U.S. citizenship interview?
6. How soon can I vote after I receive my U.S. citizenship?
7. I am a U.S. dual citizen whose other country of nationality is subject to the Trump administration’s travel ban. Is it safe to travel in and out of the U.S.?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not legal advice. Click here to learn more about Boundless Immigration’s lawyer-guided services.

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#1: Do naturalized citizens have the same rights as U.S.-born citizens?

Yes, naturalized citizens share nearly all the same rights and responsibilities as those born in the U.S. Both can vote, hold public office, obtain a passport, sponsor family members for immigration benefits, and are protected under U.S. law. Key differences between naturalized and natural-born citizens include:

• Eligibility for U.S. Presidency: Only natural-born citizens can become U.S. President or Vice President.
• Denaturalization: Naturalized citizens can lose citizenship in rare cases (e.g., fraud); natural-born citizens cannot.
• Proof of Citizenship: Natural-born citizens use a birth certificate; naturalized use a Certificate of Naturalization.

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#2: What happens if I make a mistake on my N-400 citizenship application?

Errors on your Form N-400 application for U.S. citizenship can cause a range of issues, from minor delays to denial of your application. Common mistakes include:

• Missing or incorrect personal information
• Unsigned forms
• Failure to disclose all legal names used
• Omitting required documents (such as marriage or divorce certificates)
• Leaving questions blank
• Not reporting past legal or immigration issues

When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews your application and finds errors or omissions, they may respond in several ways:

• Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may ask you to provide missing information or documents by a specific deadline. If you don’t respond, your application may be denied.
• Rejection or denial: Serious mistakes, like providing false information or omitting important facts, can lead to denial. In some cases, this could also trigger further investigation or removal (deportation) proceedings if fraud is suspected.
• Processing delays: Even minor errors can delay your application, as it may be set aside until the issues are resolved.

If you realize you made a mistake after submitting your N-400, it’s a good idea to notify USCIS as soon as possible. Some errors can be corrected during your naturalization interview, while others may require a written explanation or even withdrawing and refiling your application.

Consider consulting an immigration attorney to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your application is complete and accurate.

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#3: What questions are asked during the naturalization (N-400) interview?

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review your N-400 application line by line, confirming your answers and asking about your background, including:

• Full legal name, date of birth, and address
• Marital status and family information
• Employment and travel history
• Criminal history, if any
• Tax compliance and Selective Service registration (if applicable)
• Your reasons for seeking citizenship
• Your willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance

To see more sample citizenship interview questions, read our article: U.S. Citizenship Interview Questions.

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#4: What is the format of the U.S. citizenship test?

The U.S. citizenship test has two main parts:

• English Language exam, which assesses:
  • Speaking skills: Your ability to speak English is evaluated by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview.
  • Reading skills: You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your reading ability.
  • Writing skills: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your writing ability.
• Civics Exam: An oral test where a USCIS officer asks up to 10 questions from a list of 100 about U.S. history and government.

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#5: How many questions do I need to answer correctly to pass the civics test during the U.S. citizenship interview?

You must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the U.S. citizenship test. The officer will stop asking questions once you reach six correct answers.

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#6: How soon can I vote after I receive my U.S. citizenship?

You may register to vote as soon as you become a U.S. citizen, and you can vote in the next election after registering, as long as you meet your state’s registration deadlines. Many new citizens register at their naturalization ceremony and are eligible to vote right away.

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#7: I am a U.S. dual citizen whose other country of nationality is subject to the Trump administration’s travel ban. Is it safe to travel in and out of the U.S.?

Dual citizens are generally allowed to enter the U.S. using their U.S. passport, even if their second nationality is on a travel ban list. However, depending on how future executive orders are enforced, scrutiny could increase at the border. It’s important to monitor policy updates and carry documentation that clearly shows your U.S. citizenship. If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before traveling.