Would you take the oath of allegiance?

When the USCIS officer asks whether the applicant would take the Oath of Allegiance, the answer should be "Yes." This is essentially the same question as Q675 (whether the applicant is willing to take the oath), asked again to confirm. The Oath of Allegiance is the legal moment of naturalization. After the interview is approved, the applicant attends a public ceremony where the oath is administered by a USCIS officer or a federal judge. Taking the oath transforms the applicant from a permanent resident into a U.S. citizen. 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 of whom or which the applicant has heretofore been a subject or citizen; 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. Applicants typically read the Oath together with a presiding officer or judge at the ceremony, with copies provided. The Oath is in English. Modified oaths are available for applicants with religious or conscientious objections to bearing arms, with the modification request submitted with Form N-400 and supporting documentation.

Applicants are expected to take the Oath in person at a ceremony. Some ceremonies are conducted by USCIS in administrative settings, others by federal courts in courtrooms. Mass ceremonies sometimes happen on July 4 or other special occasions. The oath ceremony typically includes welcoming remarks, the leading of the oath, the presentation of certificates, the singing of the national anthem, and the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance.

After the ceremony the new citizen is fully a U.S. citizen with all rights and responsibilities. The certificate of naturalization is the official proof of citizenship and should be kept safely. New citizens can use the certificate to apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and update Social Security and other records. Applicants who refuse to take any version of the Oath cannot become naturalized citizens.