The handbook is intended to help programs assist legalized aliens eligible for amnesty meet the education requirements for permanent residency. These requirements include minimal understanding of English and a knowledge and understanding of the history and government of the United States, or pursuit of a course leading to that knowledge. Three sets of competency-based curriculum materials are included: (1) an intensive English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)/civics curriculum listing ESL competencies by topic and level and civics competencies based on American holidays, to be used to create a combined ESL/civics curriculum appropriate to the community and student level (separate competencies are geared to two literacy levels); (2) a non-intensive ESL/civics curriculum, designed for use with low intermediate-level students; and (3) an intensive 60-hour course of U.S. history and government. Guidelines for the use of each set of materials are provided, and student progress report forms are included in the first two curricula. Competency scope and sequence charts are also included. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)