ORIENTATION FOR
CITYWIDE CITIZENSHIP DAY
2015
OVERVIEW OF FORMS USED
AT THE EVENTS
Administrative Forms
Forms completed by the Participant
prior to Screening:
• Participant Registration Form (Yellow)
• Declaration of Understanding (Yellow)
Forms for the Screener to complete:
• Naturalization Case Notes (Pink)
•
“Ineligibility for Services” Form
(if the participant is not eligible)
Forms to complete at Check-Out:
• Naturalization Case Notes (Pink)
• N-400 Completed Application/
Check-Out List (Blue)
Important Volunteer Corps Policies
4 Reminders to Note:
1. Pledge to Maintain
Confidentiality
2. Adherence to CUNY
Citizenship Now! Volunteer
Corps Guide
3. Handling Referrals
4. Prohibition on Solicitation
Participant Registration Form (Yellow)
• Collect at the Screening Station.
• Contains information relevant to our
funders.
• Must be completed in its entirety by all
participants.
• We assign volunteers to the Waiting Area
to:
 Review PRF with participants
 Make sure all information is
completed
 Answer any questions participants
have about the PRF
Declaration of Understanding (Yellow)
• Explains to participants that we
provide limited scope legal
services based on a pro se model
• Both copies should be signed
and dated by the participant and
you -- the Screener
• After signing and dating, give the
torn off copy to the participant to
keep for his records
• Note: Spanish version on the
reverse
Naturalization Case Notes (Pink)
• Completed by Screener
• Used to determine eligibility for
naturalization and for fee waiver
• If eligible and prepared with all relevant
documents, participant gets a GREEN
sticker and proceeds to the Application
Assistance station
• If additionally eligible for a fee waiver
based on receiving a means tested public
benefit, participant additionally gets a
BLUE sticker and proceeds first to the
Fee Waiver station
• If ineligible, participant gets a RED
sticker
Case Notes (Pink) – Continued
• PINK Case Notes Form is
collected at Check-Out
– Do NOT let participants
leave the event with this
form!
• All case notes, analysis and
advice given to participants
MUST be written on the
reverse side
Ineligibility for Services Form:
• When participants receive a
RED STICKER:
• Use this form to record an
explanation for participants who are
not eligible to naturalize
• Both the participant and the
screener should sign and date both
copies.
• Provide the participant with a copy
for their records
• Staple the 2nd copy to the
Naturalization Case Notes form
(Pink) and PRF (Yellow).
N-400 Check-Out List & Next Steps
• Purpose is quality control and
application packaging
• Note any missing information
that the participant still needs
to insert into their application
or fee waiver on this sheet
• Mark the area where the
information is missing on the
application with a post-it note
• All notes to the participant
should be on this piece of
paper
SCREENING STATION
OVERVIEW
Role of the Screener
GATEKEEPER
• Ensures that only participants who are
eligible for naturalization and who are
prepared with appropriate
documentation proceed through the
event
• Reviews participants facts and
determines if the participant is eligible
to apply for naturalization and fee
waiver based on receipt of means
tested public benefit
• Provides appropriate guidance for
those not eligible or who are
unprepared to proceed through the
event
Step 1
When you are ready to see a
participant hold up your
GIANT THUMB sign!
Step 2
• Ask to see completed Participant Registration Form (Yellow)
• Sign and date both copies of the Declaration of Understanding
(Yellow)
• Tear off back copy of Declaration of Understanding for the
participant to keep for her records
Step 3
• Work your way through each question on
the Naturalization Case Notes
• Complete ALL the questions
• Screen for fee waiver eligibility – those who
receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Public
Assistance but who do NOT have their
letter of proof with them can be assisted at
the event
• Take notes as appropriate on the reverse.
Notes must clearly and briefly explain any
red flag issues and detail the advice
provided.
• Using Pink Naturalization Case Notes form,
fill in participant’s personal information at
the top
• Ask to see green card to record name and
A#
Step 4
• Print your name and sign the boxes labeled “Screener” at
the bottom of the form
• Place the appropriate sticker on BOTH the Participant
Registration Form (Yellow) and Naturalization Case Notes
(Pink)
Step 5
The participant is eligible to apply for naturalization and is
prepared (has the necessary documents with them at the event)
The participant is eligible to apply for naturalization and is
eligible for the USCIS fee waiver based on receiving a means
tested public benefit
• The participant is ineligible to apply for naturalization;
OR
• The participant may be eligible to apply, but the case is too
complicated for the scope of the event;
OR
• The participant is missing the necessary documents to be
assisted at the event.
Red Sticker!
• If a participant is ineligible, you must write a complete explanation
of your analysis on the reverse of the Pink Case Notes form
• Provide participant with the appropriate resources for a directed
referral and an explanation of the reason(s) he does not qualify
– Examples: Missing a criminal disposition or other relevant
documents, already a citizen, need for referral to a center to
review criminal history
• Before the participant leaves, collect the Yellow PRF and the
Pink Case Notes Form, and staple them together.
– Place them in the box on your table. Never leave paperwork
unattended on the table!
• Complete and sign the two copies of ‘Ineligible for Services’ Form
and provide the participant with their copy, staple copy to the PRF
and Case Notes
Step 6
• If the participant has a criminal
history, has their dispositions on
site, and is determined to be
eligible to apply for naturalization:
• Screeners MUST complete Part 10,
Section D before sending
Participants to Application
Assistance.
• If participant’s have ever been
arrested and DO NOT have
criminal dispositions on site or
have out of state dispositions,
give them a RED STICKER for a
referral to a CN! Immigration
center to receive services once
they obtain their disposition.
How to Obtain Documents:
Screening Station Reminders
CHECK-OUT STATION
OVERVIEW
Role at Check-Out
QUALITY CONTROL &
APPLICATION PACKAGING
• Ensures that participants who are
eligible for naturalization and who are
prepared with appropriate documents
leave the event with an application that
is ready to mail and with overview of
remainder of application process
• Final review of participant facts,
requirements for naturalization, and fee
waiver
• Review of form to assure participant
understands their answers and is aware
of any issues that may arise at
interview
• Cursory interview prep and next steps
information
Step 2
• Ask to see the Pink Case Notes
form
• Review the notes made at
previous stations for any red
flags
• Review and make corrections to
the application forms and
supporting documents using the
Check-Out Station Guide for
completeness and accuracy.
• Sign and collect the Pink Case
Notes form
Step 3
• Review and note any missing
information the participant still
needs to insert into their application
on this sheet
• Mark the area where the
information is missing on the N-400
or I-912 forms with a post-it note
• All notes to the participant should
be on this piece of paper
• Review reverse side with participant
for information about next steps at
conclusion
Check-Out Station Reminders
Additional Resources
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
N-400 Rider - Selective Service: RIDER Part 11, Question 46.C
Handout on Charges, Arrests, Citations
Screening Resource Binder containing the following information:
– Green Card Category Codes
– Acquisition and Derivation of Citizenship information plus legitimation information
– Quick Reference Chart for Determining Immigration Consequences of Common NY
Offenses
N-648 Packets containing:
– Form N-648
– Form N-648 Instructions
– Information for Medical Professionals Completing Form N-648
– HIAS Tip Sheet
Civic Questions and Answers:
– 100 English Civic Q&A
– 100 Spanish Civic Q&A
– 20 English Civic Questions for the 65/20 Exemption
– 20 Spanish Civic Questions for participants 65/20 Exemption
Ineligibility for Services Form
Selective Service -- Request for Status Information Letters