I'm done at last
I took my oath in Chicago yesterday. According to the lady clerk, there were 139 of us petitioners. Oath letter said 12 noon but we had to spend 40 minutes in line as the clerk collected our letters. At the back of the letter there are questions pertaining to events that occured from the date of the interview to the day of the oath ceremony (e.g., did you travel outside the US, have you been arrested, etc.) The form only asked you to check yes and no, but you're supposed to document any yes answer (e.g., I had to write on the form that I travelled to Canada on such and such date, after my interview).
Maybe I was just in a foul mood, having to waste 40 minutes in line. But we petitioners had to suffer some last indignities from US Immigration. We had to be seated in a specific order and because of limited seating, the lady clerk had to squeeze us all in. What I didn't understand was that she had to go to great lengths to seat some of the guests of petitioners, even seating those with cameras in the jury seats.
Another 15 minute wait for the guy in the funny black gown to appear. Quick speech about "kindness," one you would expect from a church sermon. I actually felt sad while reciting the oath. I couldn't make myself to recite the parts about renouncing former allegiances & taking up arms (I guess I still love my motherland). It was like marrying someone you don't love. Not that I will not be a good US citizen (I will), but I will admit the primary reason for my naturalization is convenience.
So anyway, unless you live from afar, no need to come too early. For a noon ceremony you can even grab a quick lunch. And no need to wear a suit or formal wear if you're not comfortable dressing up. As long as you're not too shabby (which is disrespectful to the court), even denim jeans & a collared shirt would be okay.
Ceremony was over in 10-15 minutes. Outside there were volunteers for voter registration. So I registered, that's one more vote to unseat those damn Republicans.
I crossed the street to the Loop post office to apply for a passport. I plan to travel in 7 weeks, but I didn't have it expedited, so only $97 total fee. I swear that's the last time blood-sucking US Immigration is going to squeeze any money out of me. The postal clerk took my naturalization certificate, so I have no proof of citizenship right now and can't travel outside the US. But I was told I should get my passport in 4 weeks.
As to questions from other forum members regarding the civics and history test, sometimes the questions are given orally or in my case, the officer was busy and simply printed a page with 8 or 10 questions. It is NOT multiple choice. Questions are EXACTLY the same as the sample 100 questions on the State Department website. And yes, I think 6 out of 10 is the pass mark. In my case, I got the one question which I dread the most - the first 13 states. Except I misunderstood the question, it asked what the first 13 states were called (answer: colonies).
My last piece of advice to those doing interviews or oath ceremony is to show only the minimum documentation asked for. Sure, bring supporting documents for your piece of mind (tax returns, speeding tickets, etc). But do not volunteer information unless asked for. I'm assuming, of course, that you have nothing illegal (such as DUI) to hide.
I thank everyone on this thread. I hope your applications go well, especially those who have been kept waiting for so long. And yes, I wish you/we would all be good and productive US citizens. Peace upon you all.
Ciao,
Alicia
