And just like that...

[Lights 56]

I became a naturalized US citizen!

 

A few days ago, I had my oath ceremony with my almost 1 year old daughter (and hubby) in tow.  There were nearly 4000 of us getting naturalized in Los Angeles.  I cannot believe how well organized it was!  It does take a few hours but given the amount of people there, I was surprised we were in and out in about 2.5 hours!  

 

The judge and USCIS representative that spoke at our oath ceremony were amazing.  There was a lot of hope, love, and caring... they mentioned to bring our cultures into the US and how we, Americans, need it more today than ever.  It was actually quite beautiful.  I didn't expect to get so emotional during the process (maybe part of it was because the guests and applicants are separated so during the ceremony my husband and daughter were sitting in a different section).  To be sworn in as a US citizen, I don't think I'll ever forget that feeling.

 

It's great to finally feel at peace and to be able to say, I'm really finally home. 

 

Wishing you all love and light on your journey! 

 

Edited February 23, 2019 by Lights

[robhostein 57]

Many congratulations to you!

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

Those were my feelings as well. It is one of those days and feelings that you will never forget for the rest of your life. It is the feeling that the long journey was finally over. All the sleepless nights checking status on USCIS website :)), all the nerve wrecking days waiting for that interview,.... We all have our own stories to tell. We all have shed tears from separations from our loved ones. We all had that ecstatic feeling that day we first held our green cards on our hands and when I called Mom and said “Mama I’m coming home”.

 

It was that moment that you took that oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, that all of that just flashed through your mind. And you were overwhelmed with the profound pride that you’re now officially part of this great nation, a place you now call home. It is what makes this country great, people from every walks of life, every corner of the globe have come here and decide to build a life for themselves and we live together through a common bond that hold us us together: friendship, cooperation, openness, ... That's what make this country great. That is my America and I am pround to be an American.

 

Please vote in 2020!

[robhostein 57]

22 minutes ago, Lights said:

  There were nearly 4000 of us getting naturalized in Los Angeles.  I cannot believe how well organized it was!  It does take a few hours but given the amount of people there, I was surprised we were in and out in about 2.5 hours!  

Jeezez, 4000?!! That's an army of new citizens!

[Lights 56]

1 hour ago, USS_Voyager said:

Those were my feelings as well. It is one of those days and feelings that you will never forget for the rest of your life. It is the feeling that the long journey was finally over. All the sleepless nights checking status on USCIS website :)), all the nerve wrecking days waiting for that interview,.... We all have our own stories to tell. We all have shed tears from separations from our loved ones. We all had that ecstatic feeling that day we first held our green cards on our hands and when I called Mom and said “Mama I’m coming home”.

 

It was that moment that you took that oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, that all of that just flashed through your mind. And you were overwhelmed with the profound pride that you’re now officially part of this great nation, a place you now call home. It is what makes this country great, people from every walks of life, every corner of the globe have come here and decide to build a life for themselves and we live together through a common bond that hold us us together: friendship, cooperation, openness, ... That's what make this country great. That is my America and I am pround to be an American.

 

Please vote in 2020!

Already filled out my voters registration.  There was a table there and I made sure to register right away.  

 

You're so right though.  It's a place I've called "home" for a few years but now America has accepted that this is now my forever home as well.  This was exactly the tonality of the ceremony.  What America truly is suppose to be and that gives me hope and gives me a purpose here.  2020, I will 100% be voting.  

 

 

1 hour ago, robhostein said:

Jeezez, 4000?!! That's an army of new citizens!

Yes!!  It was at the LA Convention Center.. completely packed BUT very well organized.  I was nervous because they allow rows at a time to line up at their number to get their certificate.  They would not distribute it until all guests have left the room.  It was so smooth though... literally took me 15-20 minutes from end of the ceremony to having my certificate in hand (amongst 4000 others getting theirs!).  Still very surprised! 

 

 

[TBoneTX 46,276]

Thread is moved from the US Citizenship main forum to the US Citizenship Case Progress subforum.