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Citizenship Resources

All are welcome to the library, and we respect your privacy.

Citizenship Resources

Thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen and wondering how to get started? Every branch of our library has dedicated Citizenship Corners full of information. Here is what you can expect to find:

  • Civics & Citizenship Toolkits (these include civics flash cards, naturalization study guides, civics lessons, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution)
  • Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test
  • Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test
  • A Guide for New Immigrants
  • Applications for Naturalization & related information
  • ESL materials
  • Programs & classes at the library
  • …And much more! Ask a librarian for more resources

Online Resources

U.S. Government Resources Available Online

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website provides answers, forms, and current information.  You are also able to apply for citizenship online!

Non-Government Online Resources

  • Citizenshipworks –  A free online service that helps you apply for citizenship, step-by-step.
  • IMMI – Understand your options, know your rights, and find legal help.
  • Informed Immigrant – Particularly helpful for DACA recipients & undocumented people. Another resource to know your rights.
  • Boundless – Helps families navigate the U.S. Immigration System by helping with marriage (spousal) green cards and U.S. citizenship (fees apply).

Online Practie & Test Preparation

Free online test preparation is available through our electronic resources. The following are electronic databases. You will need your APLD library card to sign in and create your own account to track your progress.

There are also many resources available at the library. You can:

Citizenship & English Resources in the Community

  • Family Focus – In addition to supporting and strengthening families in and with their communities, they offer immigration services in English & Spanish.
  • World Relief – Partnered with the local churches, their mission is to help the most vulnerable people in the community by assisting refugees and providing immigrant legal services.
  • Dominican Literacy Center – Programs help women learn to read, write, and speak English and help all immigrants prepare to pass the naturalization test.
  • College of DuPage – COD offers GED/ABE/ELA classes at multiple locations. Check out their catalog listings for more information.
  • Waubonsee Community College – Courses are designed to help build basic skills to prepare for college-level courses, get a better job, or just live a better life.
  • USCIS – Search by zip code to find an English or citizenship preparation class near you!

Looking to Get Involved?

  • FWD.us – Founded by leaders in the technology community, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, FWD supports comprehensive immigration reform by bringing together organizers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Join your local chapter to see how you can help!
  • Protecting Immigrant Families – A collaborative campaign to unite, to protect, and to defend access to health care, nutrition programs, public services, and economic supports for immigrants and their families at the local, state, and federal level.
  • Ask a librarian how to get involved with Citizenship & ELA/ESL education at your library!

Library materials on becoming a US citizen

Know Your Rights

DACA Recipients

USCIS provides a comprehensive FAQ and archived materials here.

  • Find the most current information on the status of the DACA program on the USCIS website. Search for keyword “DACA”.
  • IMMI’s site contains the following documents below as well as understanding immigration law and how to stay in the U.S legally.
  • Are you a DREAMer? TheDream.us has information on receiving college scholarships!

Find Legal Help Online