The hard work has paid off for Maria Leticia Armenta. Finally, the Citizen and Immigration Services have sent her final interview date and her citizenship exam. An adjudications officer will test her in person. Armenta shows up early for her appointment – just to be safe. She’s a bit nervous, but confident – she knows how hard she has studied.

The Citizenship and Naturalization Interview

“OK, I just need you to stand and raise your right hand for me,” says the officer.

“OK,” replies Armenta.

“Do you solemnly swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” asks the officer.

“Naturally, I’m honest,” responds Armenta.

“Do you promise to tell the truth?” asks the officer.

“Yes,” says Armenta.

“OK, go have a seat…”

“Thank you,” Armenta replies.

“I just need to see your green card and your California driver’s license or I.D. please,” the officer continues.

The interview is surprisingly informal.

“Is this the only name you go by – the one that’s on your green card?” the officer asks.

“Yes,” says Armenta.

“Did you want to do a name change today?” the officer further inquires.

“Yes.”

“What do you want to change your name to?” asks the officer.

“I want to use only Leticia,” adds Armenta.

“OK, you have Leticia Armenta- is that what you want to do today?” asks the officer.

Armenta nods yes.

“OK, good,” the officer says.

“And you’ve been a lawful, permanent resident for over five years, I see… that’s great,” she adds.

Maria Leticia was careful not to omit anything on her application, so she’s not worried about any surprises.

“OK, we’re ready to start your civics test right now. I just want to remind you to just relax and not to be nervous. OK? The first question is: What do the stripes on the flag represent?” she asks.

Confidently, Maria Leticia replies, “The first 13 states.”

The interview continues successfully.

“Correct. Very good! Congratulations. You did a great job. You passed,” says the officer.

“The next step is the citizenship ceremony and we’ll send you a letter in the mail to go to the ceremony and then you’ll be sworn in and become a citizen. Thank you very much,” the officer concludes.

Tips for the Citizenship and Naturalization Interview

Julie Rosenthal is Maria Leticia’s adjudications officer. She says that for those who are prepared, it’s a piece of cake. “They should just relax and try not to be nervous. Make sure they study hard for those test questions. That’s very important. It’s also important for them to be comfortable with their English,” says Rosenthal.

“They should also make sure that they have all the correct documents that we might need, depending upon their situation, for example, child support, or if anything has happened in their past. They should have on hand any court documents so that the process doesn’t become delayed. Another tip is to just be honest and not lie to the officer. They need to remember that they’re under oath and so they need to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

That’s the first thing they have to swear to when they go for the interview,” explains Rosenthal.

“I’m very happy because I passed my interview for citizenship. I have a chance to give my vote. I now have a chance to elect the president. I think it’s very important,” says Armenta.

The reward for all of this preparation? United States citizenship.

Rico Cabrera, Community Relations Officer for U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services says at the oath ceremony, “This moment is captured – one particular day in the lives of these individuals. This is the moment they will remember. They will come in with a green card and, at the exit; they go out with their certificate of naturalization. That’s a great difference – a huge difference.”

“I feel a great happiness! I’m very happy. Thanks be to God. I did it!” says Armenta.