Do you understand the oath you will take?

When the USCIS officer asks whether the applicant understands the Oath of Allegiance that he or she will take, the answer should be "Yes," confirming that the applicant has read or heard the Oath in advance and grasps the commitments it contains. The Oath of Allegiance, 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 applicant typically reads the Oath aloud at a public ceremony together with a USCIS officer or federal judge. Modified oaths are available for applicants with religious or conscientious objections to bearing arms or to military service, with modifications submitted in advance through Form N-400 and supported by a personal statement.

The officer asks whether the applicant understands the Oath because the Oath must be taken voluntarily, freely, and with full understanding. An applicant who does not understand what he or she is promising cannot validly take the Oath. The officer may go through the key promises with the applicant and ensure that the applicant agrees to each. If the applicant has any reservations or objections, this is the time to raise them. Applicants who object to specific elements (like bearing arms) can request modifications. Applicants who object to the entire Oath cannot become naturalized citizens.

Applicants whose English is limited may have difficulty fully understanding the Oath text. The officer can simplify or rephrase the language. For applicants whose English is so limited that they cannot understand the Oath, the case may be continued for additional preparation, or the applicant may not qualify. Applicants exempted from English under the 50/20, 55/15, or 65/20 rules can have an interpreter help them understand the Oath.

The Oath is not a casual procedure. It is the formal moment of becoming a U.S. citizen, and the promises are binding. Applicants should think through the commitments before the interview and be ready to discuss any concerns. Practicing the Oath aloud (it takes about a minute to recite) before the ceremony helps applicants feel comfortable.