Finally ... An American

This process is finally over. Only took a little less than a year!

So I went for my Oath Ceremony today and came out an American. The ceremony was surprisingly short. Just that there were 5150 other people there for the same reason! Lines were long but conducted in a very efficient manner.

A little about the ceremony. Went in there. Followed the lines, handed in the Notice and Green Card. The Officer wrote down a booth number in which I should go to after the ceremony to collect my Naturalization Certificate. Went back in line to take a seat. Officers handed out Voting Registration Cards and small flag of the USA. Waited until everyone was seated. Some announcements. The Judge presiding led us on the Oath. Pronouced us Americans. Everyone waved their little flag and cheered. Short speech. Someone else came up and told a short story about the Statue of Liberty. Then we watched a short video clip of President Bush welcoming us as new citizens. Video clip of the song "Proud to be an American" sung by Lee Greenwood. Said the Pledge of Allegiance. A lady got up to sing the Star Spangled Banner. More cheers and waving of flag because the news media wanted to take some pictures and stuff. Waited for our turn to get up to go collect our Certificate. And it was all over. 2 and 1/2 hours. Not bad at all.


Timeline for process:
March 13, 2007 - Mailed Application
March 22, 2007 - Receipt of Notice of Action
April 24, 2007 - Notice to get fingerprints taken.
May 17, 2007 - Fingerprints taken.
November 15, 2007 (guestimate)- Notice for Interview
Jan 4, 2008 - Interview
Jan 25, 2008 - Notice for Oath Ceremony
Feb 21, 2008 - Oath Ceremony