Many times, people ask me why I waited so long after becoming eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship. My answer is simple: I wasn’t ready to take the Oath of Allegiance.
To some, that might sound strange. “It’s just a formality,” people say. “You can love more than one country.” But for me, the oath isn’t a checkbox on a form. It is a profound commitment, both moral and legal, that deserves deep reflection.
First, from a legal standpoint, India does not allow dual citizenship, which I don't understand, as many countries, including the US, allow this. Once you become a U.S. citizen, you cease to be an Indian citizen, as India requires you to renounce your Indian citizenship. Second, the U.S. Oath of Allegiance leaves no room for ambiguity; it explicitly requires you to “absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign state.”
Here’s the oath in full, as reproduced from the USCIS website:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
To me, these words carry weight. They symbolize not just acceptance of a new citizenship, but the transfer of one’s allegiance, heart, and duty to a new nation, voluntarily, consciously, and solemnly.
My upbringing and culture taught me the sacredness of loyalty. The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics ever written, I grew up listening to its stories, reminds us that once we pledge our allegiance, we remain steadfast to it. That is what integrity means. That is what I wanted to bring to my new identity, not a half-hearted allegiance, but a wholehearted commitment.
Being a permanent resident gave me most of the privileges needed to live, work, and thrive in this country. But citizenship is something deeper. It isn’t just about benefits or convenience, it’s about belonging, about choosing this country as your own, about accepting both its rights and its responsibilities.
The day I stood to take the oath, I did so with complete awareness of what I was promising. I was not just becoming a U.S. citizen; I was renouncing the past allegiance that shaped me and embracing a new one that I had consciously chosen. It was both emotional and empowering, a moment of gratitude and solemn pride.
I hope more people understand the gravity of this oath. It is not a procedural step or a legal formality. It is a personal promise to support, defend, and remain loyal to the country that gave us opportunity, trust, and a new home.
For every naturalized citizen, that promise is deeply personal. It marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship between us and the United States of America, the nation we now proudly call our own.
Thank you for reading, and please share your views on this topic.
© Vinay Thakur, All rights reserved. Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com
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