First of all I’d like to “Trk393” for writing up his experience, which helped me be prepared for mine. His notes were so helpful that I decided to do the same to help whoever else might come across this.
>Note: I petitioned a change of name in my application. Upon receiving the N-445 summoning to oath letter, I was unsure as to weather to sign it with my “current” signature or with my “new” signature. After much research I signed it the same way I signed my N-400 application. I was later told this was correct.
>I was summoned to present myself at 07:30
>Left with plenty of time but was STUCK in traffic and VERY nervous!
08:10: Finally arrived. Parked in the corner of Pico St. & Hope St. for $7.00
>Note: You can call the LA Convention Center prior to your arrival and you will be told what Hall & parking is designated for the event
> Ran to Convention Center (approx. 2 blocks)
>There were visible signs to guide the applicants to where they should be.
> Bags checked just outside the hall
>At this point applicants where separated from their families/friends. Applicants sit in the front of the hall (roped off), while their company sit in the back.
> Once inside the hall there were signs leading to 111 tables where attendants did a final documentation check (one could go to any attendant who was available)
>Gathered N-445 and Green Card.
>Verified that all the answers on N-445 were correct (verbally asked all the questions)
>Stapled Green Card to N-445
>Wrote a number on N-445 which corresponded to one of the tables where Naturalization certificate would be picked up after the ceremony
> Ushered to sitting area. Can’t just sit where there are empty chairs. Ushers guide you to your exact seating spot
>Attendants handed out a flag & folder containing:
>A greeting from the president
>Voter registration information
>A passport application form
>The oath and pledge of allegiance
>Folder for the certificate
08:26: Sat in my seat
>While waiting for ceremony to start, attendants handed out California Voter Registration Applications
>Lady sitting next to me told me that her letter summoned her to present herself at 08:01. Apparently everyone gets a different time, as to avoid a crowd.
>I notice that people continue coming right up to the beginning of the ceremony
08:53: Ceremony begins. Court in session announced and Judge introduced. Motion to oath the 3668 applicants present.
08:56: Judge granted motion. We are asked to stand, raise right hand and repeat the oath of allegiance after the judge.
08:58: New citizens congratulated & Judge has a speech.
09:05: End of speech. USCIS district 23 representative welcomes new citizens. Two videos are shown (message from the president and Proud To Be An American music video).
09:11: End of videos. Stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. National Anthem sung.
09:20: End of ceremony.
09:22: Instructions on passport application are given and dismissal by rows begins (first come = first out). While waiting to be dismissed, attendants pick up completed California voter registration application (not required).
10:02: I am dismissed and I make my way to my designated table.
10:05: Naturalization certificate & court order name change (stapled to certificate) in my hands! As you make your way out of the hall, there are large tables where one can sit and verify that all the information in the certificate is correct. There are bathrooms at this point also.
10:08: I notice that EVERYONE has been dismissed
10:18: I exit the building (after visiting the bathroom and CAREFULLY triple checking my certificate). At entrance of convention center I notice:
>One can get passport photos taken at entrance of convention center
>Certificate folders are being sold at entrance of convention center for $10 (hardy, with USA theme)
>Republican and Democrat voter registration tables
> As I walked back to my parking, I noticed that a block away from the Convention Center, prices for the certificate folders were $5.00. Also, the parking lot I was in was now going for $5.
Note: Seems to me you can decide where to spend your time: either stuck in traffic & nervous, sitting in the convention center prior to the ceremony, or sitting in the convention center after the ceremony. I was happy to have brought bottled water & a snack (it was allowed in, no problem), considering I hadn’t had breakfast. I thought it went well, specially considering the amount of people oathing. I can’t say I have any complaints. I left with a huge grin and a few tears!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
