Are you willing to take the oath of allegiance?

When the USCIS officer asks whether the applicant is willing to take the Oath of Allegiance, the answer should be "Yes," confirming the applicant's commitment to the promises that constitute the formal final step of becoming a U.S. citizen. The Oath of Allegiance is the legal moment of naturalization. After the interview is approved, the applicant is scheduled for a public ceremony where he or she takes the oath in the presence of a USCIS officer or a federal judge. The oath becomes effective immediately when spoken, and the certificate of naturalization is issued at the ceremony.

The text of the Oath, prescribed by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, requires the applicant to: renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty; support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; bear true faith and allegiance to the same; bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. The Oath is roughly 140 words long and takes about a minute to recite. Applicants typically read it aloud together with the officer or judge at the ceremony, with English copies provided. Some applicants memorize portions, although memorization is not required.

The Oath is in English, but the applicant's English ability for the Oath is not separately tested; the officer assesses general English ability during the interview. Applicants with religious or moral objections to bearing arms can request a modified oath under section 337(a), with the modification request submitted with Form N-400 and documented with a personal statement. Applicants who are unable to take the Oath because of physical or mental condition may have a designated representative who acts as guardian or surrogate to take the oath on their behalf, although the legal procedure is detailed.

Applicants who refuse to take any version of the Oath cannot become naturalized citizens; the willingness to take the Oath is a fundamental requirement. Applicants should think carefully before applying about whether they can sincerely make the promises in the Oath, particularly the renunciation of allegiance to other countries (although dual citizenship is permitted in practice for many applicants whose original countries do not require renunciation).