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Newark experience on Sept. 3rd 2009 - N400
Just wanted to share my experience with you guys. I had my naturalization interview scheduled at 9.20AM on Thrusday, September 3rd and I arrived there probably 30 mins early. I expected to wait for a while based on my past experiences several years ago for my green card, but was pleasantly surprised when they called my name at 9.30AM.
The officer led me to his office. His demeanour was firm but wasn't harsh. He went through my application and asked me to confirm things I had submitted in my application. After about 10 minutes he said everything looked fine and then proceeded to the test which was easy. Asked me to read and write a sentence and then said I had passed. He gave me the piece of paper which said "Congratulations...." and asked me to go back to the main hall and wait. I was out of his office by 9.45AM and waited in the hall till about 10.45AM when they called my name. They asked me to sign the certificate and gave me a book and said I was scheduled for the 11AM oath ceremony.
At 11AM they escorted a bunch of us into another room where they showed us a video and a congratulatory note from Obama. Then the supervisor came in and gave a short speech on how she is a naturalized citizen also and how we should honor the privelege of being US citizens. Then we were administered the oath and pledged our allegiance to the flag of the US. After this was over, I was a bit amused that they made us sing "I'm proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood...who knew we would be entertained also! Ofcourse I spared the room with my atrocious singing voice but plenty of people really got into it, including the supervisor who was dancing around the room with a small US flag in her hand. It was a pleasing experience.
All said and done I was out of there by 11.30AM. I fully expected to spend the day there so was really happy that I was done so early...with my naturalization certificate in tow ofcourse
At long last my saga has come to an end. Good luck to each and everyone of you and thanks to the countless number of people who provided great information along the years. Wish you all the best and feel free to ask any questions and I'll try to answer as best as possible.
The officer led me to his office. His demeanour was firm but wasn't harsh. He went through my application and asked me to confirm things I had submitted in my application. After about 10 minutes he said everything looked fine and then proceeded to the test which was easy. Asked me to read and write a sentence and then said I had passed. He gave me the piece of paper which said "Congratulations...." and asked me to go back to the main hall and wait. I was out of his office by 9.45AM and waited in the hall till about 10.45AM when they called my name. They asked me to sign the certificate and gave me a book and said I was scheduled for the 11AM oath ceremony.
At 11AM they escorted a bunch of us into another room where they showed us a video and a congratulatory note from Obama. Then the supervisor came in and gave a short speech on how she is a naturalized citizen also and how we should honor the privelege of being US citizens. Then we were administered the oath and pledged our allegiance to the flag of the US. After this was over, I was a bit amused that they made us sing "I'm proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood...who knew we would be entertained also! Ofcourse I spared the room with my atrocious singing voice but plenty of people really got into it, including the supervisor who was dancing around the room with a small US flag in her hand. It was a pleasing experience.
All said and done I was out of there by 11.30AM. I fully expected to spend the day there so was really happy that I was done so early...with my naturalization certificate in tow ofcourse
At long last my saga has come to an end. Good luck to each and everyone of you and thanks to the countless number of people who provided great information along the years. Wish you all the best and feel free to ask any questions and I'll try to answer as best as possible.
