You are not a citizen until you are sworn in. If you are denied because of failure to pass the English or the civics test, you will be automatically rescheduled within 90 days. If you are not approved for some other reason, you may be given time to overcome the problem.
For 2009, the American Opportunity Credit--which is a variation of the Hope Credit--will be allowed for 4 years. For years before and after the new credit is allowed, the Hope credit is supposed to be for 2 years.
Statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations on credit card debt is four years. If the state of Delaware applies, the statute of limitations is only three years. The good news is that they can no longer collect from you if you show the courts that the debt is time barred.