I was scheduled to attend a special naturalization ceremony this morning at 9:30 at the USS Intrepid Museum to celebrate Veterans' Day.
I got there at 9:20 and I thought I was going to be early. There was no line at security and I breezed through.
I was directed to a counter where USCIS employees checked my N-445 form (all No answers, as my interview was just 3 days ago). She asked me for my green card, which I handed to her and I told here I have the expired 2-yr card as well. She wanted that too. She asked me if I had any travel permit, I said no and then she asked me if anything changed since the interview.
That's it, I gave up my green card(s).
I then actually entered the USS Intrepid, which is a huge aircraft carrier active from 1943 to 1974 and now a museum.
We were directed in a cinema-like room with a huge movie screen and many seats.
I found out I was one of the last ones and I got to seat in row 5. I handed my N-445 to an employee and sat. They gave me an envelope with instructions about the certificate, the declaration of independence and the US constitution. And of course, the flag.
We waited for about half hour and the ceremony started at 10.
There were 17 military personnel naturalizing and of course (and rightfully so) they were honored and praised.
Then a few speeches, message from Obama and the usual stuff (usual because we read it all the time on the forum).
There were 157 people from 45 countries naturalizing at this ceremony.
The speaker called each country (in alphabetical order) and people from that country had to stand up and remain standing.
By far, the largest group of new citizens was from Dominica Republic, pretty much half of the room standed up with very loud cheers from the guests, it was awesome. I think I was probably the only italian. There were pretty much countries from all over....Central and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Australia, China, Canada and Mexico of course.
A USCIS deputy director administered the oath and had a brief speech. Then a newly naturalized military member administered the pledge of allegiance to the flag and we were pretty much done.
They handed the certificates to the military people first, calling them out by name. And then row by row they handed us the certificate om our way out.
Got mine and came back home, where I actually signed it in a 1st grade like hand writing
It took me 3 months and 17 days to complete the naturalization process in the busy NYC district office, amazing!
It took me back then 4 months and 3 days to get my green card, always in NYC.
The only long wait was for the I-751, but who cares about that!
I already scheduled an appointment at the Regional passport agency for Monday morning as we leave for a vacation abroad on Friday.
I'll go to the SSA office and I'll register to vote once we're back, no rush for that.
I got there at 9:20 and I thought I was going to be early. There was no line at security and I breezed through.
I was directed to a counter where USCIS employees checked my N-445 form (all No answers, as my interview was just 3 days ago). She asked me for my green card, which I handed to her and I told here I have the expired 2-yr card as well. She wanted that too. She asked me if I had any travel permit, I said no and then she asked me if anything changed since the interview.
That's it, I gave up my green card(s).
I then actually entered the USS Intrepid, which is a huge aircraft carrier active from 1943 to 1974 and now a museum.
We were directed in a cinema-like room with a huge movie screen and many seats.
I found out I was one of the last ones and I got to seat in row 5. I handed my N-445 to an employee and sat. They gave me an envelope with instructions about the certificate, the declaration of independence and the US constitution. And of course, the flag.
We waited for about half hour and the ceremony started at 10.
There were 17 military personnel naturalizing and of course (and rightfully so) they were honored and praised.
Then a few speeches, message from Obama and the usual stuff (usual because we read it all the time on the forum).
There were 157 people from 45 countries naturalizing at this ceremony.
The speaker called each country (in alphabetical order) and people from that country had to stand up and remain standing.
By far, the largest group of new citizens was from Dominica Republic, pretty much half of the room standed up with very loud cheers from the guests, it was awesome. I think I was probably the only italian. There were pretty much countries from all over....Central and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Australia, China, Canada and Mexico of course.
A USCIS deputy director administered the oath and had a brief speech. Then a newly naturalized military member administered the pledge of allegiance to the flag and we were pretty much done.
They handed the certificates to the military people first, calling them out by name. And then row by row they handed us the certificate om our way out.
Got mine and came back home, where I actually signed it in a 1st grade like hand writing
It took me 3 months and 17 days to complete the naturalization process in the busy NYC district office, amazing!
It took me back then 4 months and 3 days to get my green card, always in NYC.
The only long wait was for the I-751, but who cares about that!
I already scheduled an appointment at the Regional passport agency for Monday morning as we leave for a vacation abroad on Friday.
I'll go to the SSA office and I'll register to vote once we're back, no rush for that.