Obtaining U.S. Citizenship: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Alexander Young


Once your citizenship has been approved after successfully concluding the interview and exam process, you're ready for the oath ceremony. This post will resolve any queries you have about the specifics of the ceremony.

Prior to the Ceremony You will receive a letter from USCIS ("Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony") informing you of the date and time of your ceremony. If you aren't able to attend the scheduled oath ceremony, you will need to send the notice back to USCIS accompanied by a letter detailing your unavailability. USCIS will then send you an additional notice with a new date and time for your ceremony.

On the day of your ceremony, go to the assigned place and register with USCIS. There will probably be others there who will be waiting to take the oath as well, so it is highly recommended that you come in advance. It is also suggested that you dress appropriately for the event, as it is a formal ceremony. Do not wear jeans, flip-flops, a t-shirt, or similar casual attire.

Before the ceremony commences, you will need to return your Permanent Resident Card. After you have been sworn in, you'll receive a Certificate of Naturalization which takes the place of your Permanent Resident Card.

If your ceremony is not on the same day as your interview, you will be asked a few questions about your activities since the conclusion of the interview. These questions are reproduced on the back of the Notice of Naturalization of Oath Ceremony. Be sure you understand the questions and are ready to answer them.

Immediately before taking the oath, you will be asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the national anthem. You will be given both the pledge and the anthem in writing at the ceremony, so it is not necessary to memorize them.

Taking the Oath Taking the Oath of Allegiance is essential before you are considered a legal U.S. citizen. The presiding officer will read you the oath sentence by sentence and will ask you to repeat after him. The oath is as follows:

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.

If you object to any of the above clauses due to your religious values, you can petition to take a customized version of the oath which excludes these sections. For example, if you can generate significant proof that your religion forbids you from bearing arms or using other forms of violent force, you do not have to say that you will "bear arms on behalf of the United States." To ask for a revised oath, you must submit a letter with your original application for citizenship (N-400). You must make clear which sections you object to and why, and present documentation from your religious association as proof of your beliefs.

Following your Oath Congratulations! You are now officially regarded as U.S. citizen. Soon after the oath, you will hear a recorded message from the President of the United States congratulating you on your new status as a citizen. You will also receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which acts as physical proof of your citizenship.

While it is not essential, it is advised that you update your social security record as soon as possible following your ceremony. Your social security record proves that you are permitted to work in the United States and permits you to receive benefits from the government. The sooner it is updated, the sooner you will receive the full advantages of citizenship. You can either call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov to find your nearest Social Security Administration office. You are also recommended to apply for a U.S. passport soon after the oath ceremony.




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