lovelyalex

7 hours ago, nesh123 said:

Dear All - Completed the naturalization process yesterday. It was a brief session for about an hour or so - about 79 people naturalized yesterday in Detroit. There was another session later in the day with a similar number of naturalizations. Best wishes for a smooth and expedited process completion to all those who are in line with the process..

Congrats!!!!

23 hours ago, La Isla Bonita said:

Congrats girl. Finally you reached the finished line and all DONE    That's so awesome!  Im still here waiting. Been over 3 months now being IN LINE and hoping and praying that my journey will end before February 2018.  I already bought a ticket going home Feb for my mom's 82nd bday.  Its her desire wish for me to celebrate with her on that special day. 

Everyday Im waiting patiently but sometimes as the time runs so fast im getting frustrated and stressed maybe because I have a trip coming and Im not done with this journey.

Thank you so much for deciding to stick around with us. That's so sweet of you. <3

I'm sure it will!  Hang in there!  February will be here in no time and that sounds like a wonderful visit you're going to have! How did the Bahamas hold up with all the hurricanes recently?  Is everyone back home okay?

Hey guys! I'm all done!

But like I said, I'm gonna stick around and support you all on your journey! Hang in there! 388 people adjusted today in Boston.  In my eyes, you're all 388 people closer to your goal, regardless of where your field office is

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am officially done on my journey! I had my oath ceremony today at Faneuil Hall in Boston. It's a great historic building in the heart of Boston that really added to the excitement of the event! There were lines going around the building and through the busy market square which generated a lot of interest from passing tourists.  Many were very happy for us all.  Luckily the weather held out.  If you have your ceremony at this venue and the weather looks at all bad BRING AN UMBRELLA.  I don't think there is ANYWHERE for people to queue, like we had to today, if it's raining or snowing.  There were just too many people.

However it was basically coordinated like a visit to the DMV (but at least the DMV has some signs) only in a nicer building! There were people there of every age, race, all walks of life.  We got to the venue 35 minutes earlier than the time stated on the letter (12.05pm).  There were 2 long lines, one for folks with pink letters and green letters, and one for folks with white letters.  Not sure at all why there were different letters sent out or what they represented.  Many people brought more than one guest (despite the notice on the letter) and didn't have a problem getting in.  The building is NOT ALL WHEELCHAIR friendly so that caused a lot of chaos for elderly and disabled guests and oath takers getting up some of the steps.  The local police/security tried to help organize but I think some end of line ushers might have helped.  Many people were in the wrong lines and couldn't hear any details being called out once lines took a turn around the corner.

Guests were called in FIRST and sent upstairs.  Then white letters were called and went upstairs.  Then the green and pink line.  I was a pink letter so that is when I got in.  When I came in my bag was not searched at all, but Pat later told me as my guest he was made to throw out a coffee cup (but later saw a lot of people eating and drinking in the gallery area).  I sat down to the right side.  There were 12 seats on a row, with 12 rows on each side, both packed - and then more seats on either side at the edges facing in.  We were then called a row at a time to hand in our greencards (which literally just got thrown into a ziploc bag all mixed up) and given a little official USCIS flag.  We kept our oath date letter, which they had stamped with I-1551 SUSPENDED or something like, and wrong a number on it. Then we sat down and waited for the rest of the oath takers to do the same.  There were at least 2 lines so both sides of the room were processed at the same time.  Occasionally official officers would make announcements reminding people they needed to fill out the back of the letters and sign/date.  Or if they forgot/lost their greencard to go see a person to the left of the stage.  Then more officials reminded folks that if they were not wearing a hat/covering their head for religious reasons to take them off.  Lots of people didn't pay attention so they said it again.  Then we had a few reminders for guests in the front row of the gallery to not stand up and to be mindful of the people around them for pictures etc.  Also lots of reminders for people to not put strollers or bags in certain places because the building is historic and we should be respectful etc.

Regarding dress code I say this bit because I know some have asked about what to wear - my husband and I did dress up a bit (him in a blazer but me more business casual) - but there were a lot of people who did not follow the guidance/recommendation - and not just guests.  If you are stressing about what to wear, as long as you show up clean and wearing clothes, I think you're good!  Given that there are people from all walks of life there, you're going to see people dressed a little differently, some might be more formal, some might be less formal.  I did not see any flip flops or obvious blue denim (examples of what not to wear on the invitation letter) - but I saw black jeans etc. and sandals bordering on flip flops... but no one was turned away.  People have their own idea of smart/respectful and that's fine.

The officers called a handful of names specifically (presumably because they needed to double check things or make sure they were there etc). This happened a few times.

Young children (guests) were very veeeeery restless. Finally at about 1.30pm the officers announced the judge was coming in!  We all were asked to rise and in she came, with some officials and the county sheriff too. Court was declared in session!

The USCIS officer started with an announcement saying that of the 388 people there 55 wanted a name change.  The judge said sure why not (except in official judge speak ha!) and then the officer said 388 people wanted to be come citizens.  Motion carried/sure why not.  Then had us all rise and raise our right hand.  Then the officer of the court made us all say the oath, and added in our own names at the same time as everyone else. 

Then the judge started talking, and then (maybe this was a joke cos they do a lot of these) suddenly remembered that we were stills tanding and told us to sit down... everyone chuckled.  Then she gave a great speech about how far we'd all come and what we were bringing to the nation and the state, how we were enriching our lives and the lives of everyone around us... and the adversities we'd faced.  She recognized a lot of reasons why we had come to the US, and the jobs that we had, calling out doctors and scientists as well as hotel workers and service industry professionals, who are just as important. She encouraged us to stand for local office, help in campaigns etc... do all the things that make democracy work.

She called out all 69 nations represented in alphabetical order and had us stand up when our nation was called.  She prefaced saying we were free to give a WOOOP/cheer etc when ours came.. but warned us whatever we did the Brazilians would probably out cheer us!  She was right!  Brazil was probably the loudest, closely followed by Haiti.  Mine was one of the last (UK) so me (and my husband up in the gallery) made sure to give it our best. Many people standing were the only ones of their original country there, both others clapped and applauded for them. I'm pretty sure he did a Rick Flair impression! I will admit that when they called my name I got a little teary and had a stupid grin on my face for the rest of the time.  The girl next to me was from Vietnam so I also gave her a cheer too!

Then a daughter of two folks nationalizing today gave the pledge of allegiance.  Then the county sheriff gave a (slightly less rousing but still) very nice and warm friendly speech, also reminding us of his immigrant heritage and how in Massachusetts we have such a great mix of nationalities and heritage.  Then he reminded us of this celebration that was being thrown down the road that we were all invited too (but I didn't go) and to follow the balloons after.  Then the judge closed out court, we all stood up and they left.  Then they had the guests leave.  The way they handled that, for a split second I thought MAYBE the officer was going to give us some special American secrets, like in those National Treasure movies... but alas not.  There was no hidden treasure etc.

Once the guests had almost all gone, they rejiggled the set up in front of the stage, so 2 tables became 8 stations. The number they wrote on your letter corresponded to the table to collect your certificate and large envelope with some information inside about passport etc, a card sleeve for the certificate. Again, they called rows up one at a time, working from the front to the back.  Once you got your packet you could leave.  Some lines went quicker than others, so folks from rows behind me ended up leaving a bit quicker because the guys at table 6 and 7 were lightening fast!  When my turn came I grabbed my stuff, checked that my details were correct (they were - and the picture they took at my biometrics were indeed TERRIBLE) and I said my goodbyes to the folks who had been sitting around me.  When I got out side everyone was crowding around the door cheering for friends and family as they came out, that was a really nice touch.

A friend came to meet my husband and they both cheered for me and then we went to lunch and went home!  While the ceremony was relatively short, the form checking and handing over documents probably made the whole duration about 3 - 3 1/2 hours. 

I am a May 2017 N-400 filer, but have been registered on this forum since I first came to the US in 2009.  Thank you everyone on this forum for your support and guidance through this process and my original AOS! I hope my write up today is helpful for those of you in Boston.

For those of you still waiting.  Hang in there!  You are getting closer every day to closing this chapter of your life and starting a new one...  Even if it doesn't always feel like it.

2 hours ago, Lvivlion said:

no trump video haha

Thank you:) Good luck

I'm quite happy about that! 

22 hours ago, mcdull said:

Was there a President Trump video or signed welcome.letter?

Yes I was meaning to ask this too!

4 minutes ago, Lvivlion said:

I'm done I'm US citizen now. Thanks n Good luck. My ceremony was 3hrs long ;( Due  to "guess judges from Italy" so they put a concert together lol n bunch of inspirational speeches.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

12 hours ago, reema said:

The process has to be initiated by us & I believe there is a form that needs to be filled in & it takes 1-2 weeks for the process to complete.

But if you don't initiate it, would the Indian authorities/government even know you'd obtained US citizenship?

How does that renouncing piece work for those that have to give up their current citizenship? So, say you're Indian.  You have your oath ceremony. It just doesn't go away magically.  Who initiates what?  What is the process?  I mean, is there a little office you're supposed to call that officially say "YOU'RE DONE" and you're supposed to send back your passport? I don't see how this works.

18 hours ago, himalayanV said:

I totally understand. I really wish I didn't have to give up my indian citizenship...it's hard.

 

But hey, it's just a paper right? We are all global citizens  

I didn't realize you had to give your Indian citizenship.  I can keep both of mine.

12 hours ago, Faith38 said:

Hi, am late posting because am so tired from this journey it took us over three hours for us to get at the ceremony and am sick with my back. It was 851 people long lines but thank the lord it's over . I wish  everyone who's waiting a speedy interview and swear in date. Thanks to everyone who helped me over these months waiting. Good luck!!!

Congratulations @Faith38 !!

9 hours ago, alebrije said:

Updating with my Oath date. On the backside of the letter, it requires to answer if I have left the USA between the interview and the Oath Ceremony
(which I did), and to provide documentation to support it. Do you think a printout of the flights will be enough? Copy of the passport stamp? What 
would you guys bring

I think a copy of your itinerary is fine!  I'd say your passport but I'm bringing mine with me anyway to my oath, with my greencard.

3 hours ago, Waitinggame16 said:

It's so disappointing because we really wanted to spend extended time with family with my FIL being terminal but we won't leave until it's done in case it screws the whole thing up. 

How is your FIL and family doing?

Looks like rubya closed her account.  If she is still checking this forum I wish her well on her naturalization journey!

OMFG whoever is messing with the google doc is utterly annoying.

Got my oath notice letter!  I was WAAAAAAAY off!  I am taking my oath Thursday September 21st!

7 hours ago, Lvivlion said:

Usually, if you live in the same city you should get it next day  Wooo congrats

Yeah not here! I learnt that from every other piece of mail I've gotten from USCIS.  I am thinking maybe tomorrow if I am lucky!

Just got the text/email update that my oath letter was mailed!  I guess it'll probably appear on Monday.  My bet is on a mid-October oath date.

On 9/6/2017 at 11:30 AM, himalayanV said:

GUYS!
Had my interview today in the morning. I was called in exactly at the time of my interview and was out ten minutes later. 
I WAS APPROVED!
So yeah, that was it guys, thank you for your support

AMAZING! I am so happy for you!  Congrats!  That is pretty awesome too about knowing your oath date already.  I wish more offices did that, but I totally understand why they might not be able to.  See, you totally nailed it!

41 minutes ago, Lvivlion said:

Updating my oath  date. Just received the letter. My journey is almost over ;)

How exciting!  I can't wait to get mine!

Maybe you need to find a USPS forum and not a visa forum at this point.

3 hours ago, marcusa said:

thank you. Any link please ?

Also worth checking out http://civicsquestions.com/ which is a great site, and you can enter in your zip code etc to have it remember local information, like your state reps, governor etc.

Why don't you wait till Tuesday?  After the holiday weekend.  See if a neighbor passes it on by then.  In the meantime try to relax

3 hours ago, Mehrdad576 said:

?

They're implying Rubya is trolling and that we shouldn't encourage them.

3 minutes ago, rubya said:

how can i get real person ? 

You know, if you GOOGLE your question you'll get an answer!  I just did it and got an answer.  Go GOOGLE it.