Which statement is correct regarding the issuance of a Certificate of Naturalization?

• A. A person may be issued a Certificate of Naturalization if he or she establishes that his or her PRC was lost or destroyed.
• B. A person is not required to take the Oath of Allegiance in order to be admitted to citizenship.
• C. USCIS will issue a Certificate of Naturalization after the officer approves Form N-400 and before the applicant has taken the Oath.
• D. A person may be issued a Certificate of Naturalization if he or she refuses to surrender his or her PRC.

Answer: (A)

The statement regarding the issuance of a Certificate of Naturalization that is correct indicates that a person may indeed be issued a Certificate of Naturalization if they can establish that their Permanent Resident Card (PRC) was lost or destroyed. This recognition is important because it allows for flexibility in the naturalization process. Demonstrating that the PRC was lost or destroyed serves as a valid justification for not having the physical card available at the time of naturalization proceedings. Consequently, this provision helps accommodate applicants who may face technical difficulties in presenting their PRC while adhering to the application requirements.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the naturalization process. For instance, taking the Oath of Allegiance is a mandatory requirement for all applicants to become citizens; without it, they cannot receive a Certificate of Naturalization. Similarly, the issuance of the certificate cannot occur until the applicant successfully completes the Oath after approval of Form N-400; thus, it cannot be issued beforehand. Lastly, refusal to surrender a PRC would not warrant the issuance of a Certificate of Naturalization, as compliance with the process and requirements is essential for citizenship.