The crucial interview

A certain sense of pride and jubilation wells up in me along with other naturalized Americans on this important ceremony. 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

I REMEMBER the time and date—Oct. 8, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.--that I was scheduled for an interview at the Homeland Security's Charlotte, North Carolina office for my naturalization.

When we arrived at the Tyvola center I underwent the same security searches and was led to a waiting room where the notice of the interview was presented to window 1.

After checking out my records, I was instructed to report to another window in the same room where finger printing was done. It took sometime as the lady in the window gave me something to wipe clean whatever residue was on my prints.

It seems it is my second finger that is always a problem, the finger I use in cleaning or even in typing- the prints must have been erased since it was a long process.

But finally I secured finger prints matches that were on file and I was given a number. I remember it was N-96. Then I was seated as instructed. There were I think 15 people there each looking different and all anxious.

Gracious

I didn't read the quick review anymore but instead watched TV while my ears listened to the conversation between my husband Ron who was with me and a nice lady whose mother is having an interview too.

I overheard the story that there are others who also failed the examination or passed the exam. I was also anxious, thinking what if I failed. But still I didn't review or read.

At a glance I saw this young Chinese girl reading the same book I had on my purse. She was memorizing I think. As the numbers were called, there were interviewees who wore long faces. I don't know what happened to them.

I waited for one hour and my number was called by the woman who first interviewed me a month ago and asked me to write a letter asking for the postponement of my interview.

I stood up when my name was called and the lady ushered me to a room.

From that room I was transferred to the next room and I brought important things with me. The lady was quite gracious talking to me.

Middle name

The room, spacious and comfortable, was decorated with American flags and many books. I did not sit immediately. The lady remained standing and told me to raise my right hand.

She administered the oath in which you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth and I answered “yes I do.” She then told me to be seated and she introduced herself to me.

She then brought out the documents, which I assumed were my records including the N-659, an application for naturalization via marriage to a U.S. citizen.

She asked me about my trip to Paris and I said it is a beautiful place in a beautiful country that gave me a trip down memory lane. She listened to me while I talked and asked me about my maiden name Palmes.

She asked me why I was using Palmes when Naelga is my father's name. I explained that since I was married to my first husband until his death I've been using Palmes in my native Tagoloan town in Misamis Oriental, Philippines where we use our mother's name as a middle name not like the US.

Satellite school

She then asked which name I preferred to use now and also asked if my husband has any problem with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or I was involved in any crime.

We talked about the organization I listed in my application under N- 652which in my case is the VFW-Ladies Auxiliary here in Charlotte.

We talked also about my studies at Duke University. She inquired if there is a Duke University in Charlotte and I answered that there is a satellite school for the paralegals.

She did ask me about Pat McCrory and I answered that he is the governor of North Carolina. We talked about the Statue of Liberty and where it is situated.

Then she asked who lives at the White House and I answered that it is the president. She inquired if I know George Washington and I answered that he's the first president of the US.

Recommended

She showed a piece of paper to me which I recognized as containing my own hand-writing, the paper that I gave when I requested postponement for my first interview.

She asked me to read and sign the oath of allegiance in the Form 400 application and then the lady officer said I passed the test.

She gave me a form N-652 which showed that I passed the English, US history and government tests and ended with those glowing words “Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval.”

She asked me to sign the back of the passport size picture earlier submitted. She said “it appears that you have established your eligibility for naturalization. I am recommending for its approval. Please be seated outside and wait for the notice of the ceremony.” I felt good.

Then finally, she said “I think you are ready to take the oath. Congratulations you passed the tests of English and U.S. history and government. “You must have learned much from your husband” to which I smiled.

Pointers

That was it; she stood up and I followed and we shook hands and she showed me the way out. So, I finally passed the exam while the others are anxious to take or dreaded to take the exams.

This is my take on the naturalization process: When you talk to the officer assigned to you be courteous, confident and be ready.

Study the quick guide of U.S. History which to Filipinos isn't that hard considering that we have studied this in our civics and culture subjects for the new generation and social studies during my time.

There are 100 possible questions but only 10 are asked and you are required to answer six correct questions. Most often there are frequently asked questions (links to these questions would be provided here).

If you file your application under N-652 two days before the review take time to review your answers to the questions to familiarize and refresh your memory.

Many questions are personal questions taken from your own answer to prevent conflict of answers in written and oral form.

Also it pays to know your local officials from the Governor of the State and senators and congress people in your state. But the best advice I can give you is to be confident and be at your best.

It was a long journey towards being a US citizen and all these events crossed my mind as I was seated waiting for my notice of the naturalization ceremony.