My Oath Ceremony rant

[KromiX 1]

--Continuation of above, max amount of characters...

It means nothing to me, and will enjoy the interview more than the Oath.. Laughing at the ridiculously easy questions and ridiculous sentences you have to read and write, can't beat that!

P.S I also think they should make the test ten-fold harder, it's just ridiculous in my opinion. AND they should require a test each time your going to vote, real easy questions, like, Who is the Democratic Candidate? Who is the Republican Candidate?. Alot of the American Entitlement Culture has dug us in a deep hole, and it is reflected in the kind of people that turned out to vote this last round because they saw a cool guy on MTV that was running for 'prez' and it was the in thing to wear trendy HOPE shirts and say "Yes we Can", just like it was kewlz to wear CHE GUEVARA shirts when no-1 had any idea who he was and was wearing the guy on their shirt.

You were educated in this country, but obviously missed the part about the Voting Rights Act. The US govt enacted this in 1965 because some polling places tried to prevent blacks from voting by saying they needed to be educated in order to vote.

Indeed I was, and I did not 'miss that part'. Things can be changed. And just because it worked in 1965, doesn't mean it works now. Implementation of this fairly across the board in 2009 is easily done, and their won't be a way to 'prevent' blacks from voting, this isn't 1965.

Laws become outdated as a culture and its technologies and mindsets evolve. In Florida there is a law that prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jail. Get my point? We have evolved into a pop-culture society more worried with Jon and Kate's divorce and Rihanna's face than our government/politics/freedoms/rights. So it's time to evolve with culture and enforce knowledge and disallow reckless voting, and voting for the wrong reasons. We shouldn't vote someone into office because he plays basketball and is hip.

Luckily, Voting is _still_ power in this country. And Power is Knowledge. Well Voting without knowledge is a very dangerous power that is given to kewl kids wearing trendy HOPE shirts without any idea of anything. I'm a HUGE advocate of smaller government, less regulation, but this ain't regulation. You don't have to be white or black, or even score a 1300+ on your SAT or recite all the governors of your state. Just tell me Who belongs to what party and other questions as basic as that to show me you know atleast a quarter of the amount of political/govt related things as you do the names of all the recent celebrity breakups.

Edited June 24, 2009 by KromiX

[RomanVT 0]

Hey everyone,

I didn't realize my post would cause a lot of uproar and I apologize if offended anyone. To clarify, I am certainly grateful for the opportunity, I suppose I was just disappointed that it came at such an inconvenient time.

With that said, I spoke with Southwest airlines and they gave me a credit for my travels and am planning on attending the ceremony as scheduled. When I told my parents about this they also commented that we moved to the US on July 4, 1988.

I do not think there is further cause for discussion on this topic at this time.

Take care,

RomanVT

[rheanick 42]

So I received my Oath Ceremony letter today in the mail.

"You are hereby notified to appear for a Naturalization Oath Ceremony on: Saturday, July 4 2009"

Well whoopty-doo. Apparently the USCIS doesn't recognize the 4th (aka America's birthday) as a holiday where people may have plans.... like..... let's say.... go out of town? It's not really a big deal as I will just have them reschedule me but I'm anxious to get this over with. Like really, who schedules anything like this on the 4th?

Maybe I'm over-reacting......................

Maybe NOT!!!

Have a feeling it will be a few months before they re-schedule me. ARgghhhhh how annoying.

< / end rant>

Sympathy to you. The week where July 4th falls is normally where everyone is out for vacation, particularly in AZ.

Just let this week go and attend your oath taking ceremony. Or, just have a 4th of July party in your house in celebration of independence day and your naturalization.

Would it be possible for you to post your experience here?

I'm also here in AZ, though still need to wait few more years for my naturalization. Would be nice to know how it goes...

Congratulations...

[swatcat 0]

My 2 cents.

Just because the OP ranted a few thoughts doesnt make him any less deserving than most people here...after all, family still is the single most important thing to most people. But, I bet, he took a deep breath and acknowledged the good intentions of the USCIS to make it a special day for many oath-takers, so that fact should be admired as there will be people who work for the USCIS that are taking off their family time themselves to be a small part of many new citizens on July 4th.

All said and done, he will reschedule the interview and life goes on. I would just take it as a spur of the moment rant which quickly dissipated. 'F' for originality, 'A' for imapct

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

To the OP- Ok, while a 4th of July oath date is inconvenient for you, as other posters have suggested, you can always reschedule your oath date. But understand that this can be a risk, and rescheduling an oath date can cause delays, regardless of situation. If the July 4th date is ok with you, just go ahead with that scheduled oath date, and be happy that you can complete the naturalization process very soon then. In the end, it is up to you to decide which is best for your situation and what you will be happy with..Do the oath now, or do the oath ceremony later....

To Everyone- As for having an oath date on July 4th...Hey, what better date to have such? Seems more like an extra special day for such a ceremony, considering the historical meaning behind Independence Day (I'm sure those who are studying for US Citizenship and/or know about American History know what I mean about this). Heck, if you don't want that July 4th oath date...I'll be glad to take it for you! (and I'm sure many others would want that date too)

On the other hand, the USCIS doesn't consider that others may have different plans for July 4th, or for any other federal holidays. Some people like celebrating with an oath ceremony, some people would rather go on vacation. So in the end, it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them. You are free to do whatever you want on this Independence Day holiday...Be Independent! Oath or no oath, you decide! (lol...after all, we have the freedom of choice here in America, right?)

As for the other poster who mentioned something about giving US Citizenship tests to US Citizens...I agree. You'd be surprised as how many citizens don't know enough about their own country, even if it is just the basic facts, and at the same time these people have the right to vote and make important decisions about a country that they live in, yet know so little about. Sad, really. No wonder the country is in a mess....

You take a test for everything else that requires decision-making skills (such as learning how to drive), then why not take a test for the important decision-making right to vote?

Now give the same rights to those of us who have gone through the immigration process (especially Citizenship) and to those who are well informed about their country, and let's see how America is run then....

Lol...Funny, this reminds me of those late-night Jay Leno Jay-walking episodes where they ask about American history/pop culture, and those people are clueless about things...Sigh...What do they teach in the American school system anyways?

Good luck with the rest of your (well-informed American) immigration journeys too!

Ant

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

To the OP- Ok, while a 4th of July oath date is inconvenient for you, as other posters have suggested, you can always reschedule your oath date. But understand that this can be a risk, and rescheduling an oath date can cause delays, regardless of situation. If the July 4th date is ok with you, just go ahead with that scheduled oath date, and be happy that you can complete the naturalization process very soon then. In the end, it is up to you to decide which is best for your situation and what you will be happy with..Do the oath now, or do the oath ceremony later....

To Everyone- As for having an oath date on July 4th...Hey, what better date to have such? Seems more like an extra special day for such a ceremony, considering the historical meaning behind Independence Day (I'm sure those who are studying for US Citizenship and/or know about American History know what I mean about this). Heck, if you don't want that July 4th oath date...I'll be glad to take it for you! (and I'm sure many others would want that date too)

On the other hand, the USCIS doesn't consider that others may have different plans for July 4th, or for any other federal holidays. Some people like celebrating with an oath ceremony, some people would rather go on vacation. So in the end, it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them. You are free to do whatever you want on this Independence Day holiday...Be Independent! Oath or no oath, you decide! (lol...after all, we have the freedom of choice here in America, right?)

As for the other poster who mentioned something about giving US Citizenship tests to US Citizens...I agree. You'd be surprised as how many citizens don't know enough about their own country, even if it is just the basic facts, and at the same time these people have the right to vote and make important decisions about a country that they live in, yet know so little about. Sad, really. No wonder the country is in a mess....

You take a test for everything else that requires decision-making skills (such as learning how to drive), then why not take a test  for the important decision-making right to vote?

Now give the same rights to those of us who have gone through the immigration process (especially Citizenship) and to those who are well informed about their country, and let's see how America is run then....

Lol...Funny, this reminds me of those late-night Jay Leno Jay-walking episodes where they ask about American history/pop culture, and those people are clueless about things...Sigh...What do they teach in the American school system anyways..Not basic American history...I bet...?

Good luck with the rest of your (well-informed American) immigration journeys too!

Ant

[jsnearline 2]

Hey everyone,

I didn't realize my post would cause a lot of uproar and I apologize if offended anyone. To clarify, I am certainly grateful for the opportunity, I suppose I was just disappointed that it came at such an inconvenient time.

With that said, I spoke with Southwest airlines and they gave me a credit for my travels and am planning on attending the ceremony as scheduled. When I told my parents about this they also commented that we moved to the US on July 4, 1988.

I do not think there is further cause for discussion on this topic at this time.

Take care,

RomanVT

I'm glad to hear that Southwest was so accommodating to you. I just hope my wife's employer is as understanding when she gets her Oath notice.

Anyway, I hope you have a good 4th of July ceremony and that you can reschedule your trip with no problems.

[antda 13]

Great to hear that you decided to go for the July 4th ceremony after all!

Good luck on your special July 4th oath ceremony day, RomanVT!

Definitely extra special for you and your family too about your parents same day of moving here to America. I'm sure they would love to attend your ceremony to celebrate with you then as well! After all, they chose that special day to come to America, then why not choose that day too, to have your ceremony?

And then...yes, by all means...travel...as an American, with an American passport....more celebration!

And yes, do let us all know about what happens for your Independence Day this year.

Ant

Hey everyone,

I didn't realize my post would cause a lot of uproar and I apologize if offended anyone. To clarify, I am certainly grateful for the opportunity, I suppose I was just disappointed that it came at such an inconvenient time.

With that said, I spoke with Southwest airlines and they gave me a credit for my travels and am planning on attending the ceremony as scheduled. When I told my parents about this they also commented that we moved to the US on July 4, 1988.

I do not think there is further cause for discussion on this topic at this time.

Take care,

RomanVT

Edited June 24, 2009 by AntandD

[swatcat 0]

Hey everyone,

I didn't realize my post would cause a lot of uproar and I apologize if offended anyone. To clarify, I am certainly grateful for the opportunity, I suppose I was just disappointed that it came at such an inconvenient time.

With that said, I spoke with Southwest airlines and they gave me a credit for my travels and am planning on attending the ceremony as scheduled. When I told my parents about this they also commented that we moved to the US on July 4, 1988.

I do not think there is further cause for discussion on this topic at this time.

Take care,

RomanVT

Congratulations...Yes, I have had experience with SWA about getting credit back - so that way they are a good airline. Enjoy your ceremony...long way coming I'm sure. Naashi Pabidilli.

Edited June 24, 2009 by swatcat

[Nik+Heather 121]

For others, like my wife, who has dreamed of coming to the US all her life, it's a bigger deal and means more to her.

And for many on this forum, becoming a citizen isn't about fulfilling a life long dream. It is about convenience while living in a country with their loved one. They may be wildly passionate about their spouse, but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

I would think it would be more American to be wanting to combine our paltry vacation allowance with a long weekend to make it go further. That's what I do.

Edited June 24, 2009 by Nik+Heather

[Minya's wife 25]

For others, like my wife, who has dreamed of coming to the US all her life, it's a bigger deal and means more to her.

And for many on this forum, becoming a citizen isn't about fulfilling a life long dream. It is about convenience while living in a country with their loved one. They may be wildly passionate about their spouse, but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

I would think it would be more American to be wanting to combine our paltry vacation allowance with a long weekend to make it go further. That's what I do.

given that US citizenship is a choice, not mandatory, I would have to disagree w/ what I bolded. You can live in this country as a permanent resident, no need to go the extra mile and apply for citizenship.

[jsnearline 2]

but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

Have you read the Oath of Allegiance? You declare under oath that:

You renounce your allegiance to any foreign country.

You will support and defend the Consitution and the laws of the US and bear true faith and allegiance to them.

You will take up arms or peform national service for the US if called upon to do so.

Just paperwork...?

Edited June 24, 2009 by jsnearline

[Nik+Heather 121]

For others, like my wife, who has dreamed of coming to the US all her life, it's a bigger deal and means more to her.

And for many on this forum, becoming a citizen isn't about fulfilling a life long dream. It is about convenience while living in a country with their loved one. They may be wildly passionate about their spouse, but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

I would think it would be more American to be wanting to combine our paltry vacation allowance with a long weekend to make it go further. That's what I do.

given that US citizenship is a choice, not mandatory, I would have to disagree w/ what I bolded. You can live in this country as a permanent resident, no need to go the extra mile and apply for citizenship.

There are many conveniences extended to US Citizens not afforded to mere permanent residents. There's a whole list of them here: http://www.hmongnet.org/current-events/citizen-e.html

The reasons I will encourage Nik to go for citizenship are:

- He cannot be deported. Not that I for one second think that he will get in trouble with the law, but being at the wrong place at the wrong time has happened to other people before.

- It is easier to travel in and out of the US.

- There are no residency requirements, so if (when) we decide we want to live somewhere else for a few years, we can come back without having to deal with all this ####### again.

- Avoid having to renew stuff. Once we are done, we are DONE.

- May open up more job opportunities for him.

- Ability to take full advantage of any programs he's paying into with his taxes

As you can see, there are many reasons aside from life long love of the US and die hard patriotism to become a US citizen which have everything to do with being able to live your life hassle free with your USC spouse. I had also thought that he would just remain an LPR, but there don't seem to be many advantages to that in my readings.

[KromiX 1]

For others, like my wife, who has dreamed of coming to the US all her life, it's a bigger deal and means more to her.

And for many on this forum, becoming a citizen isn't about fulfilling a life long dream. It is about convenience while living in a country with their loved one. They may be wildly passionate about their spouse, but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

I would think it would be more American to be wanting to combine our paltry vacation allowance with a long weekend to make it go further. That's what I do.

given that US citizenship is a choice, not mandatory, I would have to disagree w/ what I bolded. You can live in this country as a permanent resident, no need to go the extra mile and apply for citizenship.

There are many conveniences extended to US Citizens not afforded to mere permanent residents. There's a whole list of them here: http://www.hmongnet.org/current-events/citizen-e.html

The reasons I will encourage Nik to go for citizenship are:

- He cannot be deported. Not that I for one second think that he will get in trouble with the law, but being at the wrong place at the wrong time has happened to other people before.

- It is easier to travel in and out of the US.

- There are no residency requirements, so if (when) we decide we want to live somewhere else for a few years, we can come back without having to deal with all this ####### again.

- Avoid having to renew stuff. Once we are done, we are DONE.

- May open up more job opportunities for him.

- Ability to take full advantage of any programs he's paying into with his taxes

As you can see, there are many reasons aside from life long love of the US and die hard patriotism to become a US citizen which have everything to do with being able to live your life hassle free with your USC spouse. I had also thought that he would just remain an LPR, but there don't seem to be many advantages to that in my readings.

I can agree with alot of what you said. I have lived here since I was 2 years old, as previously noted, and know alot more than alot of americans and damn I should be one... lol I do want to vote, and I do want those things you said above. If I got ALL of those with permanent resident, I wouldn't be applying for U.S Citizenship, cause I already am one in my opinion, I know nothing of my "country of birth".... I'm applying for the benefits, not for the citizenship dream, cause this is the only country I know.

[Heracles 417]

For others, like my wife, who has dreamed of coming to the US all her life, it's a bigger deal and means more to her.

And for many on this forum, becoming a citizen isn't about fulfilling a life long dream. It is about convenience while living in a country with their loved one. They may be wildly passionate about their spouse, but this citizenship thing is just paperwork.

I would think it would be more American to be wanting to combine our paltry vacation allowance with a long weekend to make it go further. That's what I do.

given that US citizenship is a choice, not mandatory, I would have to disagree w/ what I bolded. You can live in this country as a permanent resident, no need to go the extra mile and apply for citizenship.

Exactly. Hence the creation of a LPR status. Becoming a citizen for the sake of it is just moronic and unethical. I wouldn't want anyone coming to Australia and becoming a citizen for the sake of it. If anyone felt that way, I along with the rest of the country would gladly tell them to #### off.

For the OP, that is the most ridiculous thing I have heard in terms of immigration. Fourth of July would be the ideal day to become a citizen hence the concept of the fourth of July.

The attitude makes sense though. A lot of people who entered the US by means of a marriage visa did not earn it so they don't care. Whereas, someone who has had to work their azz off to enter the country and waited five years will surely appreciate it more than it merely being a matter of convenience.

Yeah we are a free country and people can do as they please but that still does not mean it's right for anyone to become a citizen for the sake of it. That is actually a question Iwould be asking if I was designing the naturalization questionnaire.

Edited June 24, 2009 by Constellation