N-400 for my father who does not work living with me 5 years

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vessalex

Registered Users (C)
Hello,
I have been American Citizen since 2005. My parents came to the USA through the lottery program DV in 2005. My father has been living with my family for the past 5 years. He has had several trips back to his native country non of which more than 6 months. My father speaks little English- like everyday language. He takes care of my kids and does not work. He is not fluent in English. We filed him as dependent in our taxes.I am preparing him for the interview.I prepared his N-400 but have several questions. I see a lot of people here have broader knowledge. Please help me if you know any of the following:

---Should I write and sign that I prepared his N-400? Will this be a sign that he does not speak English? He is aware of the meaning of each line in the N-400 although he did not know some of the words. I translated the difficult words for him. Technically I filled the form but he was giving me all the answers. I am debating if I should put my name. I don't want to cause more complications at the interview but I also want to be honest. Please advise.
---He never worked in the USA. He never filed tax returns. We claimed him as dependent in each of our tax returns. Should I write an affidavit of support? Is there an official form for fill in? I really want to make it easier on him.
---If in the beginning of the interview they ask him if he speaks English, should he say yes or a little or some? He is 70 years old and he is trying so hard to speak English, he even took ESL classes. I am afraid that if he says a little, they will dismiss him. If he says yes and then stumbles on some hard questions, I don't what him to be viewed as a pretender. I know, I know, if you want to be US citizen, you should speak English. He is really trying but his memory is not as good any more.
---He had a traffic ticket several months ago (My fault, I did not buckle correctly my kids and forgot to pay the registration). He paid the tickets. No points. Should I write this somewhere? Should he disclose this information or should he wait to be asked during the interview?

Thank you all for your help and advise.
 
The citizenship process has some exemptions for people 65 and older that can be of help I believe. I will look it up shortly and I'm sure others here know of it too.
 
Thank you for reading my case and replying.
I believe: If they are over 65 and have been living in the country for 15 years, then they could be exempt from the Civic test or are given simple questions. My father has been living in the USA for 5 years as permanent resident...
 
jayoa said:
I will look it up shortly ....
Click to expand...

?? takes 10 seconds with google ??

To original poster (OP),
- Read the guide to naturalization. It details out exemptions available for language. Usually, the person must have had green card for 15-20 years ... 2005 green card will not help in this situation.
- Only a lawyer can sign on behalf of a petitioner. If I was helping my wife in filling out N400, I would not sign it. Take the same approach.
- Tax Docs / Affidavit. You can either wait till they ask, or you can prepare one.
- They can not dismiss him if he says he speaks little english. They have to test him - one written sentence, one reading sentence and the civics questions. If he passes them, he passes english and civics tests. However, he still will need to converse to answer any other questions.
- Traffic Tickets - if he was cited, you should, although CIS does not care for minor tickets worth less than USD 500.

Is there any reason you want him to take the citizenship when he is not ready, except for probably the medicare part?
 
Thank you for the reply. Please, I do not want to get into debates about social aid. I work hard and do pay my taxes and health insurance. Never had any help.
He lives with us. He is our dependent. We need him to stay as such. He will not live by himself and use financial help. We travel a lot with the kids and we always take him with us (he is as of now our babysitter). It would be easier if he had US passport- no need for visas.
I don't think he will ever get proficient in English. He is an old guy, he can speak English with anyone, it is just broken. He forgets the rules and the grammar...
 
vessalex said:
THe is an old guy, he can speak English with anyone, it is just broken. He forgets the rules and the grammar...
Click to expand...

I think that level of knowledge might be sufficient for the test ... but it depends on the IO who comes your father's way.
My point was that if it is for social aid, everyone knows that and everyone does that. But if that part is manageable, GC is just as good as being citizen, assuming the test is too hard to go thru.
 
Let him sign N-400 and go through with him the filled N-400. Keep a copy and let him read the filled form repeatedly to get full knowledge of it. Teach him the civics question . Where there are multiple answers let him choose one that he is more comfortable. Daily let him practice. My mother who is 92 was able to memorize the answers in 2 months preparation.

As you have put his name in your tax return, he does not have to file tax return. During interview let him carry copy of your last 5 years tax return. If asked whether he is filing tax return, he should reply yes my son is filing income tax return and his name is in that and that he has copies of same. Let him have full knowledge of all papers with him.

If he prepares well there is good chance he will pass the tests and get citizenship. Work hard for 3 months and it will bear fruits.
 
madh4, thank you so much. Congratulations to your mother, it is amazing!!!
We already started practising. I am sending his papers tomorrow.
In the N-400 under the question: "Since becoming a lawful permanent resident, have you ever failed to file a required Federal,State, or local tax return?"..................answer:NO
I made colour photocopy of his GC. Should the copies be black and white?
Thank you so much.
Good luck to all! If you speak English is no big deal really. 5.5 years ago my naturalization process was so smooth despite the fact that I forgot my old passport. When one can explain everything and is law obedient, there should be no problem.
 
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