What is a conscientious objector?

A conscientious objector, in the context of the Oath of Allegiance, is an applicant whose religious training and belief prohibit bearing arms or performing any military service, and who therefore takes a modified oath omitting those clauses. The conscientious-objector accommodation is provided by 8 CFR section 337.1(b), which permits the applicant to omit the clauses promising to bear arms on behalf of the United States and to perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces, while keeping the remaining promises (renunciation of foreign allegiance, support and defense of the Constitution, true faith and allegiance, and willingness to perform work of national importance under civilian direction).

To qualify, the applicant must establish that the objection is based on religious training and belief, a phrase interpreted broadly under U.S. law to include sincere ethical or moral convictions that hold a place in the applicant's life parallel to traditional religious belief, following Supreme Court cases such as United States v. Seeger (1965) and Welsh v. United States (1970). USCIS typically requires the applicant to submit a written explanation and may request supporting documentation, such as a letter from a religious organization (Quakers, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Amish, and other historic peace churches are common examples). The objection must be to all war, not just to particular conflicts.

A finding that the applicant qualifies for conscientious-objector status does not delay or otherwise affect naturalization; the applicant simply takes the modified oath at the ceremony rather than the standard text. The conscientious-objector accommodation has been part of U.S. naturalization law since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 and has been broadened by court interpretations since.