To Become A Citizen Of The United States Of America

Have you ever read the oath taken to become a naturalized citizen of the United States? It is likely you were required to read it if you are old enough. We used to have to study, learn, and somewhat understand things like the Constitution, and the basics of national and state government, to receive a diploma from 8th grade and high school. I'm not sure if you have to know or understand very much at all, currently. 

The following is the oath that one must recite in the final phase of becoming a naturalized citizen of our country, found HERE. Also included is the simple outline of the meaning of the various statements and phrases found in the oath. 

“Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America”

Oath

"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."

"Note: In certain circumstances there can be a modification or waiver of the Oath of Allegiance. See the USCIS Policy Manual.

"The principles embodied in the Oath are codified in Section 337(a) in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which provides that all applicants shall take an oath that incorporates the substance of the following:

1. Support the Constitution;
2. Renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which the applicant was before a subject or citizen;
3. Support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
4. Bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and
5. A. Bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; or
   B. Perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; or
   C. Perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law.

“The language of the current Oath is found in the Code of Federal Regulations Section 337.1 and is closely based upon the statutory elements in Section 337(a) of the INA.”

"Additional Resources:

• History of the Oath of Allegiance"