Efforts to Update the Citizenship Oath
Posted Sep 19, 2003

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS or CIS) is planning to update and modernize the citizenship oath taken by new citizens as part of the naturalization ceremony. According to a September 12, 2003, article in the Baltimore Sun, one modern version was "ready to use," but plans to change the oath were postponed after the USCIS began receiving voluminous calls, letters, and feedback on the newer version.

While the law provides the general concepts that must be included in the oath, the law does not mandate the actual language. The CIS, therefore, is of the opinion that it is the appropriate agency to update the wording of the oath of citizenship, currently consisting of archaic terms, such as "abjure," and "potentates." According to Eduardo Aguirre, Director of the USCIS, the change is an attempt to make the oath more understandable and meaningful for many immigrants.

Criticism of this rephrasing, however, has been multi-faceted. Congressman Lamar Alexander believes that a law should be passed that specifically provides for the language of the oath. He has announced that he will introduce legislation for this purpose. The American Legion is concerned that reference to the willingness to bear arms on behalf of the United States, if required, has been dropped from the updated version. They want the oath to become a part of the citizenship test. Former Attorney General Edwin Meese believes that changing the oath will actually make the oath less meaningful rather than more so. Finally, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials believes that more public input should be considered before a final version is established.

It appears that the CIS has taken the last criticism to heart and will have a formal comment period on the new wording of the oath. In the meantime, the delay in implementing a new oath should not delay the swearing-in ceremonies of those who have successfully completed their naturalization tests and interviews.