Finally a US citizen!!!

[dannyh86 3]

My oath time was at 8:00 AM, I left my house around 6:50 and thought I was leaving at the right time to make it with plenty of time left but boy was I wrong! First I forgot about the gas so I had to stop in the morning to get gas, then once I got on the freeway (78 east) everything looked to be going as planned but once I got close to I-15 south, it didn't seem too good. The traffic was moving at like 10 MPH when it actually moved. :/ I was trying to stay positive and this stop n go traffic lasted for about 3 miles at least and I was not even close to San Diego. Then it actually started to flow, it was about 7:40 by then, then it stopped again but this time only for about 1 or 2 miles then it was moving again. Then when I finally got to downtown, there was more traffic to get off the freeway, by this point I knew I was late. When I finally got off the freeway, it was 8:05. All that traffic thanks to the rain :/

Now, I drove towards the Golden Hall and when I got there I saw a big line to get into the building, I was relieved to see there was not going to be a problem for being late. I got into the parking area and it was around 8:20, I got off the car and into the elevator that took me to street level. I then proceeded to get in line by then it was around 8:30 but I made it in time to get in line, there were more people lining up behind me so I wasn't the only one that was late Once I got to the entrance (with my letter and green card on hand) they checked the letter quickly and in I went, there were about 10 lines that you could get into to. so I chose one and they checked the letter and took my green card then gave me some papers and a small flag. I was told to follow the diretions on a sheet of paper after the ceremony to pick up my certificate, it had number 8 circled. Then I took a seat and waited till it started, finally it started with a little game. There were about 16 ladies sitting down on the stage and 16 gentlemen standing behind the ladies. 3 people were chosen to try and match the men with their partners (the men and women on the stage were couples that were going to get naturalized as well) I have to admit it was a little fun watching them move the guys from one girl to the other. After this, 4 people danced about 4 or 5 polish dances, then people talked about the rights and responsibilities of being an American citizen, then the judge came on stage and granted the name changes He said some nice words about how his parents were naturalized on a similar ceremony and how great America is. The judge continued on to say the oath as we repeated after him. He then continued to say that there were 71 countries being represented that day by about 660 people. He named every single country and people had to stand up once their country was named. The judge then left the stage after congratulating every one on their new citizenship, then more people were introduced to give announcements about passport, registering to vote, and more resources. Then we were dismissed row by row, I then continued toward station number 8.

Once it was my turn, the lady took my letter and handed me the certificate, I had to check for any errors and was told to sign it at home I then walked out to the lobby and took a picture next to the American flag. I picked up a passport application and registered to vote I was finally done and ready to head out, by then it was around 11:30. Now where can I get a protector for my certificate?????

I want to take this chance and thank everyone here fror their support and help, this forum was very useful when I had questions or when I wanted to know the steps and time to become a citizen. My journey is finally over after about 18 years of coming to this country at age 6. I wish everybody here the best and good luck to everyone filing for their citizenship. I will drop by every once in a while to say hi and to try and give a little back of what everybody gave me. Once again Thank You every single person that has helped me through this 3 month process and even tough I don't know you guys in person I feel like I made some friends here. Thank you guys for your wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[v333k 59]

Hi! Congratulations!!!!

Just to be sure, double check to make sure what kind of protectors you are allowed to use. I think if you laminate the cert it will become voided and you have to apply for a new one. So make sure whatever protector you use, it can easily be removed.

Congrats again!

[OBX 51]

Wonderful! Congratulations.

[Mountain Climber 186]

Congrats!!! I am sure it must be a fantastic feeling to be done with USCIS forever.

[JA Tam 7]

Congrats Danny! So very happy for you, fellow citizen!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Congratulations! What a lovely Oath ceremony you had - it will really be something lovely for everyone there to remember .

You should make some colour copies of your certificate - you are allowed to do so. You will need to use it to update your SSN status (if you didn't do that already) and then you will need to send it off with your passport application (unless you have a Passport Application Center near you in which case you show it to them but they don't need to keep it). When your passport is ready they will send you back your certificate and your passport. Store then both somewhere safe. You can put the certificate into a plastic sleeve or a cardboard folder but don't laminate it.

Again, congratulations!

[dannyh86 3]

thank you everybody

[Susan73 5]

..18 years and now you are done....Congratulations!!! That was a long journey.

I wont ever complain about my waiting time...

[(((Blessed))) 0]

[raymaga 25]

Congrats!!! Enjoy your new life as a proud U.S. citizen!!!

[Shanh 2]

Congratulations

[jodee 30]

Wonderful recount Danny..Congrats again dude.

Guess I should write my story too....

[w8inglongtime 29]

Man congratualtions!!!! I love how you painted a picture of the whole episode. I hope to be telling a similar story soon. I apply in February.