Promises Made in the Oath of Allegiance

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Learn about the promises new citizens make when they take the Oath of Allegiance to become a United States citizen. This is the formal pledge that completes the naturalization process.

Promises Made in the Oath of Allegiance

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What is the Oath of Allegiance?

A sworn declaration that every applicant for U.S. citizenship must take at a formal ceremony to become a citizen.

What is the first promise a person makes in the Oath of Allegiance?

To renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign country or ruler (give up loyalty to other countries).

What do new citizens promise to support and defend?

The Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

What does it mean to promise to 'bear true faith and allegiance' to the United States?

It means to be loyal to the United States and its Constitution above all other nations.

What military-related promise is in the Oath of Allegiance?

To 'bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law'.

What non-combatant service might a new citizen promise to perform?

To 'perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law'.

What does it mean to promise to 'perform work of national importance under civilian direction'?

It means being willing to help the country in a time of national emergency, like a natural disaster, as directed by civilian leaders.

What is the core idea behind taking the Oath of Allegiance?

It is a public and formal promise to accept the rights and, equally importantly, the responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen.

Promises Made in the Oath of Allegiance

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