If you’ve applied for U.S. Citizenship after working with a Wisconsin immigration attorney, or if you’ve gone through the process on your own, you’ll be part of a naturalization ceremony that finalizes the process of you becoming a U.S. citizen.
What is a Naturalization Ceremony?
A naturalization ceremony is a type of ceremony that completes your journey to citizenship. There are two types of ceremonies: judicial and administrative. Both end up with the same result: your citizenship.
- Judicial naturalization ceremonies: The court administers the Oath of Allegiance during a judicial naturalization ceremony.
- Administrative naturalization ceremonies: the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services administers the Oath of Allegiance.
Some people are able to participate in a naturalization ceremony the same day they complete their interview. However, even if there isn’t a ceremony happening that day, you’ll receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your ceremony.
What is the Oath of Allegiance?
The Oath of Allegiance outlines the principles to which you promise to adhere when you become a citizen of the United States.
The Oath says:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
The language comes from 8CFR, Part 337.1.
In some cases, the oath can be altered. For example, the part that says, “so help me God” can be modified.
What Happens After You Take the Oath?
After you take the Oath of Allegiance, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You can use this document as official proof that you’re now a U.S. citizen. You can also apply for a U.S. passport and register to vote. You’ll also need to update your Social Security record about 10 days later to make sure that the Social Security Administration has the correct citizenship status on file.
Do You Need to Talk to a Milwaukee Immigration Lawyer?
If you’re immigrating to the U.S. and want to apply for citizenship, now is the perfect time to talk to an immigration lawyer serving Milwaukee and all Wisconsin.
Call us at 414-383-6700. You can also contact us online to tell us about your needs. We’ll be happy to help.
