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| Santa Ana CA |  Review on March 1, 2023: |
* Kristin *
Rating:  | Review Topic: Naturalization
SUCH a proud day! Husband had his interview at the Santa Ana office this morning.
Appointment time was 9:20 a.m. We got out of the car at 8:40 a.m. and walked over. There was a small queue outside the building. They let one party in at a time to go through the metal detector. Some features in the building are ancient -- for example -- the metal detector won't function properly if the automatic door is open (therefore, if you are queuing outside, you must stand back a little). We queued for probably 12 minutes or so. When going through the metal detectors, the guard said that I (the spouse) wouldn't be allowed in.
There are restrooms on the ground floor right when you enter. The interview rooms are on the second floor. The ceremony location is on the third floor.
When you enter the interview area, you'll check in at some windows on the far side of the room. The ask for your appointment letter and scan you into the system. Then, you sit down and wait.
We got in and situated about 9:05 a.m. There are two individual-stall restrooms within the interview room. Directly outside of the interview room, there are two cash-only vending machines -- one with beverages, one with snacks.
As I mentioned before, interview time was 9:20 a.m.Â
9:20 a.m. comes... and goes. The officers call people from the front of the room, but also the back. So bear that in mind when choosing where to sit.Â
9:56 a.m., husband gets called in.Â
Spouses cannot go into the interview, so I went to the vending machine and walked around the hallway, stretching my legs.Â
16 minutes and 43 seconds later, husband comes out! Success! Wahooooo!Â
INTERVIEW DETAILS
- The officer asked for his passport, green card and driver, then said he was going to start reviewing his case
- Asked husband to write a sentence on a digital pad (write what I say)
- Then, asked him to read what it said on the pad (he read the sentence allowed)
- After that, the officer asked him the questions. Questions that were asked were:
What is freedom of religion?
What stops the government from being too powerful?
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military?
Who did the US fight in World War II?
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
Name two US federal holidays.Â
After the questions, he asked he was married to me (yes), asked if we had kids (no), how long he lived at our current address, if he'd been outside the US in the past 10 years, if he worked at his current employer, if he had served in the military (US? no? where -- and how long). Asked if he had any outstanding tax balances (no). Asked he had ever voted in an election (no). Asked if he belonged to any domestic or terrorist organizations (no).Â
All in all -- he said it was very straightforward. The officer was direct (e.g. no pleasantries) and efficient.Â
I think we were both expecting it to be much more complicated and complex.Â
After the interview, we (together) went upstairs to the ceremony. There were probably 15 - 18 other people in the room. Handed over your  Green Card... sat down and waited (probably 15 min). Did an oath. Got packet with certificate of naturalization. Informed how to apply for passport, etc. Congratulations!Â
Extremely proud!Â
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #31845