The final step in the naturalization process is the oath of allegiance to the United States. The oath demonstrates loyalty to the United States and the Constitution. All applicants must demonstrate that they are “attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.” The oath also includes statements that the applicant is willing to “bear arms on behalf of the United States,” and “perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces” when required by law.
Although the text of the oath is included in the naturalization application form, and a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer reviews the text of the oath with the applicant at the naturalization interview, a person is not a United States citizen until they have taken the oath.
Applicants may request modifications to the oath of allegiance in select circumstances. In other instances, applicants may request to waive taking the oath altogether. In this practice advisory, we outline the requirements for each.