oath ceremony

[venusfire503 54]

I was just wondering what the oath ceremony is like. Is it kind of like a graduation ceremony where family members can be there and take pictures/video, or is it a private thing only for those taking the oath?

I know I'm kind of jumping the gun on this. I do that sometimes...

venusfire

[raymaga 25]

It is a short ceremony, varying in size (number of new U.S. citizens) by the area in which you will be doing your oath ceremony.

There is a video from the President, a speech from an immigration official, and then they read every new U.S. citizen's name out, along with the country they are from. The new citizen has to walk up to the front and collect their Naturalization certificate.

You are allowed to have some family members or friends attend the ceremony.

You will have to give up your Green Card before the ceremony and they give you a U.S. flag and some literature about the U.S.

Edited October 8, 2009 by raymaga

[~krakatoa~ 27]

and for a more visual experience, you can type oath ceremony (and your area) in youtube.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Mine was somewhat different - I think it varies from location to location. We had nearly 200 people becoming citizens so family members were directed into a 'holding' area (heheheh) while USCIS staff went to each individual, reviewed their form, and updated the information. Then, row by row we went into the Ceremonial area, handed in our green cards, checked our certificates (didn't get them yet) for accuracy, then sat down. Once everyone was seated, family members were allowed to enter the room. Photographs were allowed during the ceremony. There was an introduction and welcome, then a roll call of countries when we each stood up when our country was named, then reciting the oath and pledge of allegiance en masse (words were handed out), then we watched 3 videos - one on the history of immigration, a welcome from President Obama and a patriotic video. Then the public and family were asked to leave, and we lined up and as we exited we were given our certificates. It took over 3 hours from start to finish.

[venusfire503 54]

Thank you so much for all the information! I know it will be a while (a year or so?), but I'm getting excited anyway. I can't imagine how I'd be if I were the one getting citizenship!

venusfire

[bislig2alabama 1]

Mine was somewhat different - I think it varies from location to location. We had nearly 200 people becoming citizens so family members were directed into a 'holding' area (heheheh) while USCIS staff went to each individual, reviewed their form, and updated the information. Then, row by row we went into the Ceremonial area, handed in our green cards, checked our certificates (didn't get them yet) for accuracy, then sat down. Once everyone was seated, family members were allowed to enter the room. Photographs were allowed during the ceremony. There was an introduction and welcome, then a roll call of countries when we each stood up when our country was named, then reciting the oath and pledge of allegiance en masse (words were handed out), then we watched 3 videos - one on the history of immigration, a welcome from President Obama and a patriotic video. Then the public and family were asked to leave, and we lined up and as we exited we were given our certificates. It took over 3 hours from start to finish.

WAS THIS IN ATLANTA?? We will be there Oct. 22nd, at 9:05 A.M.