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What is the status of Puerto Rico on relation to the United States?The fact that Puerto Rico is not a State of the American union does not help—as long as Puerto Rico remains a “detached” territory of Puerto Rico, a serious number of Americans consider the residents of the American island as “foreigners” occupying an American possession. However, the factual truth is that Puerto Rico is part of the whole United States of America but it does not form part of any of the 50 constituted States. So it could be said quite simply that without Puerto Rico the United States is not complete.“The majority of the residents do not speak the English language”—that’s what certain groups keep saying. Logically, this kind of propaganda does provide some traction in some segments of the American public. The constant negative ‘preaching’ by some ultra-radicals in Puerto Rico and the mainland provides fodder for resistance in Congress. The perceived general view corresponds to the certain belief that a person should be monolingual (that is, English-speaking only) before you could become an American. That viewpoint does not correspond too well with the present status of the American citizens of Puerto Rico. They are natural born Americans—and, all of them understand English to a given degree. That the American residents of Puerto Rico are bilingual, that may be a principal issue with monolingual Americans and, by extension, one of the reasons why they don’t see the bilingual Americans of Puerto Rico as American citizens.The consensus might be that for a Territory to become a State it should have a majority of the people speaking English with a Midwestern accent—and none should be bilingual. Thus, the Americans of the island of Puerto Rico might have to become monolinguists before the American Territory is provided the pathway to Statehood.Let’s keep this mind: Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States at birth. They never needed a naturalization process to become American citizens. There are 10 general steps in the “naturalization” process and a person born in Puerto Rico does not go through them as they are born on United States soil at birth. Puerto Ricans do not carry “Certificates of Naturalization” in their wallets. Thus, the relation between Puerto Rico and the US is blurred by the fact that without Puerto Rico there is no United States as Puerto Rico is part of the whole United States.General Steps in the Naturalization ProcessStep 1. Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen.What to do: If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or you did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth, go to the next step.Step 2. Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen.What to do: Review the naturalization eligibility worksheet (PDF, 301 KB) to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for naturalization.Step 3. Prepare your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.What to do: Read the instructions to complete Form N-400. Collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization. If you reside outside the United States, get 2 passport-style photos taken. Use the document checklist (PDF, 178 KB) to make sure you collect all the required documents.Step 4. Submit your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. You can check case processing times and your case status online.Step 5. Go to the biometrics appointment, if applicable.What to do: If you need to take biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice that includes your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at the designated location at the scheduled time. Have your biometrics taken.Step 6. Complete the interview.Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process. You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice. Please bring the appointment notice with you.Step 7. Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.USCIS will issue you a written notice of decision.• Granted—USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes that you are eligible for naturalization.• Continued—USCIS may continue your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation, fail to provide USCIS the correct documents, or fail the English and/or civics test the first time.• Denied—USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.Step 8. Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.What to expect: If USCIS approved your Form N-400 in step 7, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony.Step 9. Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.What to do: Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to Form N-445. Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.Step 10. Understanding U.S. citizenship.Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens—both Americans by birth and by choice—should exercise, honor, and respect. https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/apply-citizenshipThis is the key statute: "All persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899, and prior to January 13, 1941, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, residing on January 13, 1941, in Puerto Rico or other territory over which the United States exercises rights of sovereignty and not citizens of the United States under any other Act, are declared to be citizens of the United States as of January 13, 1941. All persons born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are citizens of the United States at birth."(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, § 302, 66 Stat. 236.)https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1402

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently added Form I-944, Declaration of Self Sufficiency, to the list of requisite forms for most green card applicants. Applicants prepare Form I-944 to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and remove the public charge ground for inadmissibility. In other words, it is a required form for most people who file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident.This article provides an overview for filling out Form I-944. For in-depth, step-by-step guidance to complete the form, use CitizenPath’s service to prepare Form I-944. Upon finishing our do-it-yourself service, you’ll receive the fully equipped Form I-944 and filing instructions customized to your answers. The filing instructions provide detailed directions on supporting documents, how to organize your application, and where to mail it.RECOMMENDED: Public Charge Rule ExplainedPart 1: Information About YouUse this section to provide your necessary information. It is relatively self-explanatory. When filling out Form I-944, ensure that the data is consistent with other parts of your application package. For example, confirm that you’re using the same information and spelling as the name, address, and additional information on your I-485 application.Part 2: Family Status (Your Household)It would help if you listed the members of your household. To fill out Form I-944, your home generally does not include housemates such as roommates. Typically, household members are family members living with you, but they can consist of others. Here is a more detailed list of an adult applicant’s household:You;Your spouse, if physically residing with you in the same residence;Your children, unmarried and under the age of 21, physically residing with you in the same residence;Your other children, unmarried and under the age of 21, not physically residing with you for whom you provide or are required to provide at least 50 percent of the children’s financial support, as evidenced by a child support order or agreement, custody order, or agreement, or any other order or agreement specifying the amount of financial support to be provided by you;Any other person(s) (including a spouse not physically residing with you) to whom you provide, or are required to provide, at least 50 percent of the person’s financial support or who are listed as dependents on your federal income tax return; andAny person who provides to you at least 50 percent of your financial support or who lists you as a dependent on his or her federal income tax return.A child applicant would need to list their parents, siblings, and those whose parents provide at least 50 percent of their financial support.Make sure you have totaled all household members to include yourself. USCIS will use this number later to determine if you have sufficient household income for the provided household size.Part 3: Assets, Resources, and Financial ResourcesUSCIS will evaluate your household members’ assets, resources, and financial status when determining whether you are likely to become a public charge at any time in the future. All else being equal, the more income and assets an applicant’s household has, the more self-sufficient he or she is likely to be. Conversely, an applicant’s lack of support and income makes him or her more likely to receive public benefits.Household IncomeFor each household member, including yourself, you’ll need to list details about filing a federal income tax return in the latest year. Of course, not everyone is required to file a federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service. This is normal for a child or a newly arrived immigrant who has not worked in America.You and your household members will also have the opportunity to include any additional income not included in a tax return. Examples of nontaxable income include child support, some alimony payments, certain veterans' administration disability benefits, and Social Security benefits.The USCIS office will combine these amounts and compare them to your household size. They will use the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) to make this determination.Suppose the applicant can support him or herself and the applicant’s household members at 125 percent of the FPG for the applicant’s household size. In that case, this is a positive factor in the totality of the circumstances. (Income that is 250 percent or more of the FPG is a very positive factor.) If the applicant cannot support him or herself and the household members at 125 percent of the FPG for the respective household size, this is a negative factor. If your income is insufficient, you may be able to use your assets' net value to offset this difference. The rules can get complicated. If you believe that you need to rely on investments to cover the difference, please work with an immigration attorney.Assets and ResourcesYou’ll need to list assets that you want to be considered. However, you don’t necessarily need to own assets to qualify. A younger applicant with current income typically has less need for purchases than an older applicant who is no longer working.List only assets that can be converted into cash within 12 months. Provide the value of any asset held in the United States or outside the United States in U.S. dollars. If you list an investment, you or your household member will also need to prove that he/she owns it. Typical assets one would list include checking or savings accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, annuities, and other current assets.Be warned: do not include an automobile's net value unless you or your household member shows that you or your household member has more than one automobile, and at least one car is not included as an asset.Liabilities and DebtsThe green card applicant must list liabilities and debts. For most people, this includes mortgages, car loans, and credit card debt. Depending on your situation, you may have to include other loan debt, tax debt, and personal loans. Your household members’ liabilities are not required when filling out Form I-944.Credit Report and ScoreUSCIS will review your U.S. credit report and the credit score submitted with your I-944 declaration, if available, to check your financial status. Many new immigrants do not have any U.S. credit history or credit score. This is normal and won’t disqualify you for a green card.Before you answer these questions, obtain a free credit report. You are entitled to a free credit report once a year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act from each of the three credit reporting agencies. You are only required to provide one credit report from any of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you do not have a credit report, use the credit agency’s documentation to demonstrate that you do not have a credit report or score.

Sure. Names have been changed.It was my second to last day at work. I was twenty-six years old and seated at my desk going through unopened mail when I found the envelope containing the fourteen-page, hand written, confession of undying love addressed to me in big looping letters and completed with giant balloon-like hearts. It was the first handwritten love letter that I’d ever received, and under different circumstances I might have been flattered. However, it just so happened, that the author of this particular letter was an underage, seventeen-year-old, juvenile delinquent, and, judging by the return address, he also appeared to still be currently incarcerated at a maximum-security facility in the state of Texas.It was a quiet night – almost peaceful – and as I looked up from where I was seated at my desk, I could see the sleeping silhouettes of approximately sixteen delinquent teenage boys. The circular building that I was sitting in was one of four almost identical dormitories throughout the campus. They had been built in the 1960’s after the original early twentieth century clapboard buildings had finally been deemed unsafe. They all shared the same ugly concrete modernist architecture of the era, and in total, they housed approximately sixty adjudicated male youth. The facility itself, was made up of multiple buildings. These included a school, a cafeteria, a gym, an administrative office, and the dormitories. The sweeping green lawns, tree lined roads, and the open campus belied the true purpose of the place. In fact, the only item even hinting to visitors the correctional aspect of it was an old wooden sign prohibiting any unauthorized personnel from entering the property.I often mentally compared it to working at a singularly depressing boarding school. I had spent two years there, and getting this letter on what was almost my last day was just the icing on top of what was already a completely dysfunctional cake.I glanced over at my partner for the shift. He also happened to be my direct supervisor. Generally, we worked in teams of two, and since the facility was not secure, it fell to the staff to maintain some semblance of order. There were no fences, few locked doors, and the kids moved from building to building throughout the day. Therefore, it was imperative that we paid close attention to what was going on and didn’t allow ourselves to become distracted.As usual, my supervisor was engrossed in his phone. Most likely, he was texting his mistress who coincidentally, was also the cook at the facility. Initially I’d tried to be professional and cover it up with the kids, but after he started bringing her into the dorm on our shifts, I stopped even pretending not to know what was going on. “Ms. E.,” one of the kids said to me one Sunday evening towards the end of my time working there, “What the hell is that bitch doing in here again?” I crossed my arms, looked over to the desk where the two sat gazing into each other’s eyes, and sighed. The cooks name was Hannah, and she had only just recently returned to work after a third suspension for drinking on the job. Somewhat ironically – considering that most of them had some sort of substance abuse charge – the kids assigned to work on her shifts had reported her. After the hundredth or so episode of salt in the pancake batter, under-cooked hamburger patties for lunch, and kids with food intolerances somehow ending up ill after her shifts, patience had worn understandably thin. To be fair, she was an improvement over her predecessor who had spent his time at work smoking meth and downloading porn onto his phone for the kids to watch. His food tasted better though.I read the letter again. And then again. And then skimmed it a fourth time just for good measure. It felt a little like watching a train wreck happen on repeat.I love you.I have your initials tattooed on me.I’m going to look for you.When I was eleven, my cousins showed me a video of the time they smashed their basketball coach’s skull in with a hammer and cut off his dick.Please send me your number. I think you’re the only one that can help me.“Oh, Jesus,” I thought. Of course, this would show up almost the last day I was at work. With a calmness that I was not feeling, I carefully folded the sheets of paper up and slid them back into the envelope. I placed the envelope into my bag and leaned back into the desk chair staring up at the ugly flaking popcorn ceiling. Eventually, I looked down and noticed somewhat dispassionately that my hands were shaking. Again, I glanced at my supervisor. He was still texting.“Hey, uh, Moore,” I said, “I’m going to go to the bathroom.” The only female bathroom on campus was located in the administration building. Otherwise, I would have had to use the one in the dorm. Since the front wall of the bathroom was made up almost entirely of glass windows I almost never did. Even when the dorms were empty, and I wouldn’t have been exposing myself to a roomful of teenage boys, I had a hard time. There was something fundamentally off-putting about using a toilet that was deliberately designed to put the user on display.“Yeah, sure E.”I got up and pushed open the heavy metal door that led outside and onto the sidewalk. The air outside was dark and clear. Even though it was only early November, the temperature had already dropped into the single digits. I inhaled deeply. At least the fresh clearness of the frigid mountain air felt like an improvement over the staleness of the dorm.Once in the administration building, I sat on the toilet for a while, not moving, hunched over, with my head in my hands. “What the hell?” I asked myself for what felt like the millionth time since I had started working at the facility. I glanced at my watch. I needed to get back to the dorm. If anything happened I knew from experience, that I would be blamed for leaving Moore alone even though he was on his phone. But, I couldn’t bring myself to move. I sat there for at least fifteen minutes. Eventually, without really being conscious of making the decision, I stood, mechanically washed my hands in the sink, and walked back to the dorm. Moore was still seated in the exact same location, immersed in his phone. I sat down at the computer and stared blankly at the screen for a few minutes before turning it on. I had some reports that I needed to finish writing before my resignation became official the following afternoon. I might as well get them done. I put the letter out of my mind.It was only later that night, as I laid sleeplessly tossing and turning in bed, that I finally cracked. Soundlessly, I got up and walked into the kitchen. I opened the cabinets searching by touch until I found what I was looking for. Somewhat guiltily, I poured myself a shot glass. It was full of cough syrup. I looked at the thick purple liquid for a second before downing it in one quick gulp. Then I poured myself another. I went back to my bedroom, laid down, pulled the covers over my head, and finally felt myself sinking into a heavy dreamless sleep.Less than four hours later I awoke, groggy and unrested to the sound of my alarm. In a weary haze, I pulled on my work clothes and drove to the facility. It seemed surreal. This was it. In eight hours I would never have to go back again. Two weeks prior, I had thought that this moment was going to bring me nothing but unparalleled joy. Instead, now that the day had finally arrived I only felt a strange sort of empty melancholy that I didn’t want to examine too closely. I got out of my car and slammed the door. Then, I walked into the administration building, tossed my keys into one of the empty lockers, and for the last time headed out to the dorms.