Demystifying Part 12 of the N-400 Form: Additional Information About You (Person Applying for Naturalization) (1)

Introduction

When embarking on the journey to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, there are numerous forms and requirements to navigate. Among them, the N-400 form plays a pivotal role in the naturalization process. This form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship and provides vital information about the applicant. Part 12 of the N-400 form is particularly noteworthy, as it seeks additional information about the person applying for naturalization. In this article, we will dissect this section and clarify its various questions, all while adhering to the edition date and formatting requirements of the 09/17/19 edition.

Filling Out Part 12 of the N-400 Form

Part 12 is a comprehensive section that requires the applicant to answer a series of questions. These questions delve into different aspects of the applicant’s history and background. Let’s break down this section further:

Subsection 1: Questions 1-3

1. Have you EVER claimed to be a U.S. citizen (in writing or any other way)? Yes or No
   • Question 1 addresses the critical issue of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. This is a serious matter and can have severe consequences. The answer to this question should always be honest. If you have ever made such a claim, you must answer “Yes.”
2. Have you EVER registered to vote in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States? Yes or No
   • Question 2 seeks to ascertain whether the applicant has ever registered to vote in the United States. Voting is a privilege reserved for U.S. citizens, and registering to vote when not eligible can have significant implications. Honesty is paramount.
3. Have you EVER voted in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States? Yes or No
   • Question 3 follows up on question 2, inquiring whether the applicant has actually cast a vote in any U.S. election. Again, this addresses a fundamental right of U.S. citizens, and an affirmative answer requires explanation.

These questions are designed to ensure that applicants have not falsely represented themselves as U.S. citizens or participated in voting activities without proper eligibility. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, it is essential to include a typed or printed explanation on additional sheets of paper.

Subsection 2: Questions 4-6

1. A. Do you now have, or did you EVER have, a hereditary title or an order of nobility in any foreign country? Yes or No
2. B. If you answered “Yes,” are you willing to give up any inherited titles or orders of nobility that you have in a foreign country at your naturalization ceremony? Yes or No
   • Question 4 delves into an applicant’s connection to hereditary titles or orders of nobility in foreign countries. The United States generally discourages dual allegiance or loyalty to foreign nations, and this question aims to determine if any such connections exist. If you have or had such titles, you must answer “Yes.”
3. Have you EVER been declared legally incompetent or been confined to a mental institution? Yes or No
   • Question 5 focuses on an individual’s mental health and legal competency. A history of being declared legally incompetent or being confined to a mental institution should be disclosed. It is essential to provide accurate information for a comprehensive assessment.
4. Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes? Yes or No
   • Question 6 pertains to financial responsibilities. If you have overdue taxes at any level of government—Federal, state, or local—you must answer “Yes.” It is important to address outstanding tax obligations promptly.

Subsection 3: Questions 7-8

1. A. Have you EVER not filed a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident? Yes or No
2. B. If you answered “Yes,” did you consider yourself to be a “non-U.S. resident”? Yes or No
   • Question 7 tackles the matter of tax returns. If you have ever failed to file a tax return at any level of government since becoming a lawful permanent resident, you must answer “Yes.” It is crucial to provide an honest response.
   • Question 7B explores whether you considered yourself a “non-U.S. resident” on tax returns. This question aims to clarify your tax status during that period, and your response should align with your actual circumstances.
3. Have you called yourself a “non-U.S. resident” on a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident? Yes or No
   • Question 8 examines your tax filing history in terms of your residency status. If you have identified as a “non-U.S. resident” on any tax return since becoming a lawful permanent resident, you must answer “Yes.”

This completes our overview of questions 1 to 8 in Part 12 of the N-400 form. It’s important to approach these questions with candor and provide any necessary explanations on additional sheets of paper when required.

Subsection 4: Question 9

1. A. Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with, any organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society, or similar group in the United States or in any other location in the world? Yes or No
2. B. If you answered “Yes,” provide the information below.
   • Name of the Group: Brazilian-American Cultural Association
   • Purpose of the Group: Promoting Brazilian culture in the U.S.
   • Dates of Membership: 02/2018 – 06/2022

Maria’s sample responses help to illustrate how the questions in Part 12 of the N-400 form should be answered.

A Sample Persona from Brazil

To illustrate the application of the information discussed in Part 12 of the N-400 form, let’s introduce a fictional persona:

• Name: Maria da Silva
• Country of Origin: Brazil
• Current Residence: New York, NY

Sample Responses to Questions in Part 12:

1. Have you EVER claimed to be a U.S. citizen (in writing or any other way)? No
2. Have you EVER registered to vote in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States? No
3. Have you EVER voted in any Federal, state, or local election in the United States? No
4. A. Do you now have, or did you EVER have, a hereditary title or an order of nobility in any foreign country? No
5. B. If you answered “Yes,” are you willing to give up any inherited titles or orders of nobility that you have in a foreign country at your naturalization ceremony? N/A
6. Have you EVER been declared legally incompetent or been confined to a mental institution? No
7. Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes? No
8. A. Have you EVER not filed a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident? No
9. B. If you answered “Yes,” did you consider yourself to be a “non-U.S. resident”? N/A
10. Have you called yourself a “non-U.S. resident” on a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident? No
11. A. Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with, any organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society, or similar group in the United States or in any other location in the world? Yes
12. B. If you answered “Yes,” provide the information below.
    • Name of the Group: Brazilian-American Cultural Association
    • Purpose of the Group: Promoting Brazilian culture in the U.S.
    • Dates of Membership: 02/01/2018 – 06/01/2022

Conclusion

As we’ve explored the intricacies of Part 12 of the N-400 form and provided a sample persona to help you better understand how to respond to these questions, it is crucial to reiterate the significance of honesty and accuracy when completing this section. The information you provide on this form plays a vital role in the naturalization process and can impact your eligibility for U.S. citizenship.

Every question in Part 12 is designed to ensure that applicants meet the legal requirements for naturalization and do not have affiliations or histories that might compromise national security or contradict the values of the United States. Thus, it is of utmost importance to answer these questions truthfully and to provide explanations when necessary. Any “Yes” answers should be accompanied by a typed or printed explanation on additional sheets of paper.

Additional Resources

For applicants in the process of filling out the N-400 form, it is essential to use the correct edition of the form to avoid rejection. The edition date mentioned in this article is 09/17/19, and it should be visible at the bottom of all pages. Please ensure that all pages of your form adhere to this edition and the required formatting to avoid any potential issues with your application.

If you need assistance in downloading and printing the correct form, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides instructions on their official website. It is strongly recommended to refer to the USCIS website or consult with immigration experts to ensure that you are using the most up-to-date resources for your naturalization journey.

In conclusion, while the naturalization process may seem complex, with attention to detail and adherence to the provided guidelines, you can navigate it successfully and move one step closer to achieving your dream of U.S. citizenship.

[Note: The edition date for the N-400 form mentioned in this article is 09/17/19, and it’s crucial to ensure that all pages of the form adhere to this edition and formatting requirements.]