My Green Card Story: From Frankfurt to New York
Epilogue
After living in the United States for 25 years, I decided that it was time to apply for United States citizenship. America is my home and I feel American. Although, my roots are German and that will not change.
Why did it take me so long to apply for citizenship? Throughout my professional and academic career, I never experienced limitations due to my status as a permanent resident (in comparison to U.S. citizens). I worked, studied, traveled, and paid taxes as an American who is of German descent. Not once did I think "I wish I had a U.S. passport so that I could do "X"". Of course, I could not vote or serve on a jury as a permanent resident. I also (mistakenly) thought that obtaining citizenship is incredibly difficult and possibly expensive.
Why did it take me so long to apply for citizenship? Throughout my professional and academic career, I never experienced limitations due to my status as a permanent resident (in comparison to U.S. citizens). I worked, studied, traveled, and paid taxes as an American who is of German descent. Not once did I think "I wish I had a U.S. passport so that I could do "X"". Of course, I could not vote or serve on a jury as a permanent resident. I also (mistakenly) thought that obtaining citizenship is incredibly difficult and possibly expensive.
Application
Becoming a U.S. citizen is possible by birth, through parents, or by becoming a naturalized citizen. The application for naturalization can be filed online with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). I did not hire an attorney and completed the forms myself. Great care needs to be taken to ensure that all information included in the application is correct. |
Two required parts of the application took a little research: creating an international travel history for the previous five years, and documenting past and current memberships in organizations, associations, and clubs.
For some applicants, a separate biometric appointment may be required where fingerprints and photographs are taken. Applicants pay non-refundable fees for both, the application and the biometric appointment. The application's status can be tracked on the USCIS website. After some time (months, not weeks), applicants should expect to receive a letter that outlines next steps. If the application was found to be complete, you may receive your interview appointment (alternatively, additional documentation may be requested).
For some applicants, a separate biometric appointment may be required where fingerprints and photographs are taken. Applicants pay non-refundable fees for both, the application and the biometric appointment. The application's status can be tracked on the USCIS website. After some time (months, not weeks), applicants should expect to receive a letter that outlines next steps. If the application was found to be complete, you may receive your interview appointment (alternatively, additional documentation may be requested).
The civics questions were not overly challenging. From a set of 100 questions for the naturalization test, 10 will be selected for the applicant to answer during the interview. It will be worthwhile to prepare, you need to get 6 of 10 questions correct. Most questions are quite easy, some are a little more challenging. The list of civics test questions can be downloaded from the USCIS website. The application-specific questions ask to confirm information in the application, some require an affirmation (for example, loyalty to the United States). I found the instructions on the USCIS website quite helpful as I was preparing for my interview.
Naturalization Ceremony
It took only eight months from filing the application to attending the oath ceremony in a courthouse in lower Manhattan. Applicants only become naturalized U.S. citizens by attending the ceremony (it's not optional to go). The ceremony is quite solemn and presided over by a judge. Photography was prohibited, visitors to the courthouse had to surrender their mobile phones at the entrance.
After a documents check, a speech by the judge, and completion of the oath, I received my Naturalization Certificate and surrendered my Green Card. For a moment, I felt quite emotional.
Naturalization Ceremony
It took only eight months from filing the application to attending the oath ceremony in a courthouse in lower Manhattan. Applicants only become naturalized U.S. citizens by attending the ceremony (it's not optional to go). The ceremony is quite solemn and presided over by a judge. Photography was prohibited, visitors to the courthouse had to surrender their mobile phones at the entrance.
After a documents check, a speech by the judge, and completion of the oath, I received my Naturalization Certificate and surrendered my Green Card. For a moment, I felt quite emotional.
After the Ceremony
A celebration is in order, of course. But there are a few administrative steps that should to be taken by new citizens. While it should not be necessary to contact banks, credit card companies, landlords, or insurance providers) to inform them of the change in status, there are a few other follow up's that should not be missed.
A celebration is in order, of course. But there are a few administrative steps that should to be taken by new citizens. While it should not be necessary to contact banks, credit card companies, landlords, or insurance providers) to inform them of the change in status, there are a few other follow up's that should not be missed.
With the naturalization certificate in hand, new citizens can apply for a U.S. passport. Many Post Offices accept passport applications (forms are available on the State Department website, an appointment may be necessary at your post office). Depending on the current backlog, receiving the passport can take from a few weeks to several months. New citizens cannot travel internationally during this time since the previous immigration documents have to be surrendered during the oath ceremony. Expedited passport services are available for a fee. I dropped the passport application on the same day, a few hours after my naturalization ceremony.
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Also important is to make an appointment at a Social Security Office to report the change in immigration status. The form and instructions how to make an appointment are on the Social Security Administration website. The social security number will not change but new citizens will receive a new social security card.
New citizen also should not forget to report the change in status to the employer (companies are required to verify and report status of both U.S. citizens and immigrants to the Government). Contact your employer's Human Resources department, they will likely want to see a copy of the U.S. passport.
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Those participating in the 'Global Entry' program of Customs and Border Protection (this is a program that allows expedited passport control when entering the country) should visit a Global Entry office so that the new status can be reflected. New citizens should also remember to register to vote in elections. The registration process varies depending on where you live, check with the state or local election office. Lastly, expect to be contacted (eventually) about jury duty. In New York, the court sends a questionnaire that must be responded to and asks to confirm citizenship. I suspect that at some point I will receive a summons to be available to serve on a jury.
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Leaving Germany was right. There were no reasons that compelled or forced me. Rather, I had the opportunity to begin a new life in New York and expand my personal, professional, and academic horizons. America (and New York City in particular) has been extremely good to me. For this I will be forever grateful.