The Cuban TikToker Yanet, known on social media as @yanetatlanta, had a tense experience during her interview to obtain U.S. citizenship. From the moment she arrived at the government office, Yanet encountered several setbacks that made her think she wouldn't pass the process. One of the most critical moments occurred when she realized, while standing in line, that she had forgotten her driver's license, a crucial document for the interview.
"I started noticing that everyone had their appointment letter and driver's license in hand. It was right then that I realized I had left my license behind. I felt my blood pressure drop. It was like a wave of nerves hit me, and I started sweating and got super anxious," she explained.
The nerves took over her, but fortunately, she remembered that she had a photo of her license on her phone, which allowed her to show it to the officer and proceed with the interview.
"Then she says, 'Raise your hand because we're going to take the oath.' I took the oath, and it went straight to the civics questions. I got confused on one question! But I corrected myself," Yanet said. She managed to rectify her mistake in time and successfully passed that part of the process.
Finally, after several moments of tension, the officer confirmed that she had passed the interview and offered her the chance to participate in the oath ceremony the same day.
"She told me, 'Congratulations, this paper means you have passed. Do you want to take the ceremony today?' I immediately said, 'Yes,'" Yanet recounted.
After receiving her certificate, Yanet celebrated her achievement at a nearby bakery and then took the opportunity to register to vote and apply for her U.S. passport.
"I ended up beautifully dressed but eating a box of croquettes," the Cuban said after overcoming the long minutes of stress to achieve one of her dreams in the United States.
Common Questions About the U.S. Citizenship Process
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the U.S. citizenship process, inspired by Yanet's experience.
What documents are required for the U.S. citizenship interview?
Essential documents include your appointment letter, a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license, and any other documents specified in your appointment notice.
What happens if I forget an important document for the interview?
If you forget an essential document, you may be able to provide an alternative, such as a digital copy. However, it’s always best to bring all required documents to avoid complications.
What are the civics questions in the U.S. citizenship interview?
The civics questions cover U.S. history, government, and basic principles of American democracy. You need to answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass this portion of the interview.
Can the citizenship ceremony occur on the same day as the interview?
In some cases, you may be offered the chance to participate in the oath ceremony on the same day as your interview. This depends on the scheduling and availability at the time.