Naturalization

The process through which a person becomes a US Citizen.

N-400 - Naturalization Experience

So I just had my interview at federal plaza in NYC. Interview was at 11 got there around 1015. Took 15 mins for security got up stairs around 1030, and waited until 1105 till they called my name. The IO wasn't mean but neither was she friendly, I guess she just wanted to get it over with. When we got into the office she asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth. Then she asked for passport and green card. We went over the application and then she asked me to read "WHO CAN VOTE" and write "CITIZENS CAN VOTE"

She then asked me 7 questions because I got one wrong.

Citizenship and Naturalization

N-400 - Naturalization Experience

This week I went for my oath ceremony and I am now officially a US Citizen. 

The process was very smooth overall.

My only beef is that for the interview I had to go to Holtsville and for the oath I had to go to Central Islip. I live in Queens and I don't drive so getting to those places was a major issue. 

Here's my N400 timetable:

Queens/NY 

5 years rule

Citizenship and Naturalization

My Oath experience in Cadman Plaza

I had my oath ceremony at Cadman Plaza on April 5th, 2007. Reached there around 7:45 AM when they had already begun seating people inside the court room. Once they seated everyone, they had people come in and sign their Naturalization certificate and verify their information (date of birth) and sign their full name. People were seated and also called in the order in which they had arrived. First come - First serve basis.

Citizenship and Naturalization

N-400 Application and Prosecutorial Discretion

Question details

What happens when an applicant for naturalization is eligible, but also subject to removal because of a crime committed outside the statutory period? If it is determined that the application will be held in abeyance pending the outcome of removal proceedings, is there a process for evaluating prosecutorial discretion? Would an offer to withdraw the N-400 application be a favorable factor in the consideration for prosecutorial discretion?

Applicants for Naturalization to Demonstrate Ability to Read, Write, Speak,and Understand English

Question details

Assuming all other criteria are met, under what circumstances will an application for naturalization be denied where the applicant passed the English test and responded meaningfully to all interview questions, but allegedly does not understand the oath of allegiance? Please provide examples, if possible.

USCIS says that applicants for naturalization are required to demonstrate an ability to read, write, speak,and understand English.  The ability to read and write English is determined byadministering the reading and writing tests to the applicant.  An applicant’s ability to understand and speak English is determined by the applicant’s ability to understand and speak English during the interview.  This includes responding to all questions on the application including unde

Application for Naturalization Denied for Lack of Good Moral Character

Question details

Assuming no other negative factors, under what circumstances will an application for naturalization be denied for lack of good moral character if USCIS determines that an applicant received benefits for which he or she was not entitled? What if the applicant pays back or is paying back the amount owed? Does it matter the extent to which the benefits were received fraudulently (with intent) vs. inadvertently/unknowingly?

USCIS says that these situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis looking at all of the factors in the case and that intent would certainly be a factor to consider.

Naturalization Cases Involving Outstanding Tax

Question details

USCIS notes that naturalization may be denied in the exercise of discretion if an applicant fails to file required tax returns or owes back taxes. Assuming no other negative factors, under what circumstances will USCIS deny an application for naturalization in an exercise of discretion for lack of good moral character where the applicant has filed all required taxes correctly, has a tax debt, has come to a formal agreement with the IRS or other tax authority to repay the taxes owed, and is paying off the debt?

USCIS instructs officers to accept proof that regular tax payments are being made.  USCIS says that all N-400 cases involving an outstanding tax debt will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, looking at the totality of circumstances.