N400 Review: Oath of Citizenship

Vocabulary: YES Questions

Oath of Citizenship

When a legal permanent resident becomes a citizen, they usually take an oath of citizenship. They come to USCIS or the court. They usually wear formal clothes.

What do you see in the video? How do the people feel? Why did they want to become citizens?

Some questions on the N-400 ask about the oath of citizenship. The oath has many parts. In this class, we will practice the easy version of the oath.

The real oath is more complicated. You can read the full oath here, if you want to. 🤗

I swear that I will be loyal to the United States before any other country.

This means that your number one loyalty is for the United States. If you love your home country, you can continue to love it.

If you have to choose between the United States and your home country, this means the United States comes first.

I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the U.S.

The Constitution is the form of government of the United States. This means you agree with the supreme law of the land. You agree to follow the laws.

I will defend the U.S. from enemies outside and inside the U.S.

In a time of war, the United States has enemies from other countries. Sometimes there are terrorists or other enemies inside the United States.

I will bear arms, carry a gun or fight, for the United States if asked.

Men age 18 to 26 must register for selective service. If there is a war, the United States may choose some young men to join the military.

If you are not a man age 18 to 26, this part is only an “if.” You can agree with this part, and it does not affect you.

I will do non-combative work for the military if asked.

This is also about the selective service for men 18-26. Some men do not want to fight because of their religion. The government asks those men to help with jobs that do not require fighting.

I will do important work for the country if asked.

This is also about the selective service for men 18-26. Some men cannot help the military because of their religion.

In World War 1 and 2, some men helped do other important work for the country. They helped fight fires. They helped feed hungry people.

I take this oath freely and without any doubts.

The last part of the oath means that you, and only you, really want to become a citizen. Freely means that this is your free choice.

Without any doubts means that you are 100% sure about your decision. It is very difficult to change your mind after you become a citizen.

How do you feel about the oath now?

Review N-400 Questions 1

1. Do you support the Constitution and form of Government of the United States?
2. Have you EVER served in the U.S. armed forces?
   Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
3. Have you EVER been removed, excluded, or deported from the United States?
4. Have you EVER gambled illegally or received income from illegal gambling?
5. Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
6. Have you EVER married someone in order to obtain an immigration benefit?
7. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?
8. If the law requires it, are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. armed forces?
9. Have you EVER sold or smuggled controlled substances, illegal drugs, or narcotics?
10. If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?