Key Takeaways
• Taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance is the final step to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
• The U.S. allows dual citizenship, but some countries require renouncing original citizenship upon naturalization.
• Before taking the oath, check your home country’s laws to understand dual citizenship rules and obligations.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is a major milestone for many immigrants. The final step in this process is taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance. This oath is more than just a ceremony—it has real effects on your legal status, your rights, and sometimes your relationship with your country of origin. Many people wonder: What does taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance mean for my citizenship in my home country? Can I keep both citizenships, or will I lose my original one? This article explains these questions in simple language, using real examples and practical advice.
What Is the U.S. Oath of Allegiance?
The U.S. Oath of Allegiance is a promise that every person must make to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. During the naturalization ceremony, you stand with others and repeat the oath out loud. In this oath, you:
- Promise to be loyal to the United States 🇺🇸
- Agree to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and laws
- Renounce (give up) allegiance to any other country
This oath is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is the last step before you receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You can read the full text of the oath and learn more about the process on the official USCIS Oath of Allegiance page.
Why Is the Oath Important?
The Oath of Allegiance is not just a formality. It is a legal requirement that shows you are ready to become a full member of the United States 🇺🇸. By taking the oath, you accept all the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen. This includes the right to vote, the duty to obey U.S. laws, and the promise to defend the country if needed.
Does the Oath Mean You Lose Your Original Citizenship?
This is one of the most common questions for people becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. The answer depends on two things:
- U.S. law about dual citizenship
- The laws of your country of origin about keeping or losing citizenship
Let’s look at each part in detail.
U.S. Law and Dual Citizenship
The United States 🇺🇸 allows dual citizenship. This means you can be a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another country at the same time. When you take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance, you promise to be loyal to the United States 🇺🇸, but the U.S. government does not force you to give up your other citizenships. The part of the oath where you “renounce” other allegiances is mostly a promise of loyalty, not a legal action that cancels your other citizenships.
Key points:
- The U.S. does not require you to show proof that you lost your original citizenship.
- The U.S. does not notify your home country that you have become a U.S. citizen.
- You can keep your original citizenship if your home country allows it.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the U.S. government recognizes that many people have ties to more than one country and does not make it hard to keep dual citizenship.
Laws of Your Country of Origin
While the United States 🇺🇸 allows dual citizenship, your home country might have different rules. Some countries let you keep your citizenship even after you become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Others do not. Here are the main types of rules:
1. Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship
Some countries have strict laws that say you lose your citizenship if you become a citizen of another country. For example:
- China 🇨🇳: Does not allow dual citizenship. If you become a U.S. citizen, you automatically lose your Chinese citizenship.
- India 🇮🇳: Does not allow dual citizenship. Becoming a U.S. citizen means you lose your Indian citizenship.
- Japan 🇯🇵: Does not allow dual citizenship for adults. If you become a U.S. citizen, you must choose one citizenship.
2. Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship
Many countries now allow dual citizenship. This means you can keep your original citizenship even after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Examples include:
- Canada 🇨🇦
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- Australia 🇦🇺
- France 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪 (with some conditions)
- Mexico 🇲🇽
If you are from one of these countries, taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance does not affect your original citizenship.
3. Countries With Conditional Policies
Some countries allow dual citizenship only in special cases or require you to notify the government. For example:
- South Korea 🇰🇷: Allows dual citizenship in some cases, such as for people with special skills or for those who get permission.
- Philippines 🇵🇭: Allows dual citizenship, but you must apply to keep your Filipino citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen.
Important: Always check with your country’s embassy or consulate before taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance. Rules can change, and there may be special steps you need to follow.
Real-World Examples
Let’s look at some real-life situations to see how these rules work.
Example 1: Maria from Mexico 🇲🇽
Maria was born in Mexico 🇲🇽 and moved to the United States 🇺🇸 as a child. She decides to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Mexico 🇲🇽 allows dual citizenship, so Maria can keep her Mexican citizenship even after taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance. She can travel freely between both countries and enjoy the rights of both.
Example 2: Raj from India 🇮🇳
Raj is an Indian citizen living in the United States 🇺🇸. He applies for U.S. citizenship and takes the Oath of Allegiance. India 🇮🇳 does not allow dual citizenship, so Raj automatically loses his Indian citizenship when he becomes a U.S. citizen. He can still visit India 🇮🇳, but he must apply for a visa like any other foreigner.
Example 3: Anna from Germany 🇩🇪
Anna is a German citizen who wants to become a U.S. citizen. Germany 🇩🇪 allows dual citizenship only in certain cases, such as if you get special permission before becoming a U.S. citizen. Anna checks with the German consulate and applies for permission to keep her German citizenship. After getting approval, she takes the U.S. Oath of Allegiance and keeps both citizenships.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do Before and After Taking the Oath
If you are thinking about becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, here are the steps you should follow to make sure you understand how the U.S. Oath of Allegiance will affect your citizenship status:
1. Apply for Naturalization
Start by filling out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This is the official form you must submit to begin the process.
2. Complete the Interview and Tests
You will have an interview with a USCIS officer and take tests on English and U.S. civics (history and government).
3. Attend the Oath Ceremony
If you pass the interview and tests, you will be invited to a naturalization ceremony. Here, you will take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance.
4. Receive Your Certificate of Naturalization
After the ceremony, you will get your Certificate of Naturalization. This is your official proof that you are now a U.S. citizen.
5. Check Your Country’s Laws
Before or right after the ceremony, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate. Ask them:
- Does my country allow dual citizenship?
- Do I need to notify my government that I have become a U.S. citizen?
- Are there any forms or steps I need to complete to keep or give up my original citizenship?
6. Take Any Required Steps
If your country requires you to notify them or fill out forms, do this as soon as possible. Some countries have deadlines or special requirements.
7. Keep Records
Save copies of all documents, including your Certificate of Naturalization and any letters or forms you send to your home country’s government.
What Rights and Duties Do You Have as a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?
Once you take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance and become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you have the same rights and duties as someone born in the United States 🇺🇸. These include:
- The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
- The right to apply for a U.S. passport
- The right to sponsor family members for immigration
- The duty to obey U.S. laws
- The duty to serve on a jury if called
- The duty to defend the United States 🇺🇸 if required by law
If you keep dual citizenship, you may also have rights and duties in your home country, such as voting, owning property, or paying taxes.
What Happens If You Lose Your Original Citizenship?
If your home country does not allow dual citizenship and you lose your original citizenship, you may lose certain rights in that country. These can include:
- The right to vote in your home country’s elections
- The right to own land or property in your home country
- The right to live or work in your home country without a visa
- Access to government benefits or services
You may still be able to visit your home country as a tourist, but you will need to follow the same rules as other foreigners.
Are There Any Recent Changes in the Law?
There have been no recent changes in U.S. law about the U.S. Oath of Allegiance or dual citizenship. The U.S. continues to allow dual citizenship and does not require you to give up your original citizenship. Some countries may change their own rules from time to time, so it is important to check with your embassy or consulate for the latest information.
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025, which has been discussed in the news, does not affect the naturalization process or the U.S. Oath of Allegiance. It deals with citizenship for children born in the United States 🇺🇸, not for people who become citizens through naturalization.
Expert Advice and Practical Tips
- Talk to an immigration lawyer if you are unsure about your situation. Laws can be complicated, and a lawyer can help you understand your options.
- Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information about dual citizenship.
- Keep all your documents in a safe place, including your Certificate of Naturalization and any paperwork from your home country.
- Tell your family about your new status, especially if you plan to sponsor relatives for U.S. immigration.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most reliable information about the U.S. Oath of Allegiance and naturalization, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. This site has guides, forms, and answers to common questions.
If you want to know how your home country handles dual citizenship, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States 🇺🇸. They can explain the rules and help you with any forms you need.
Summary and Takeaways
- Taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance makes you a U.S. citizen.
- Whether you keep your original citizenship depends on your home country’s laws.
- The U.S. allows dual citizenship, but some countries do not.
- Always check with your home country’s embassy or consulate before taking the oath.
- There are no recent changes in U.S. policy about the oath or dual citizenship.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is a proud moment. By understanding the rules about the U.S. Oath of Allegiance and dual citizenship, you can make smart choices for yourself and your family. If you have questions, use official resources and talk to experts. This will help you enjoy the benefits of your new citizenship while respecting the laws of your home country.
Learn Today
U.S. Oath of Allegiance → A legal promise to support the U.S. Constitution and renounce loyalty to other countries before naturalization.
Naturalized U.S. Citizen → An immigrant who becomes a U.S. citizen after completing the naturalization process and taking the oath.
Dual Citizenship → Holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously, allowed by U.S. law but subject to home country rules.
Certificate of Naturalization → The official document proving you have become a naturalized U.S. citizen after the oath ceremony.
Form N-400 → The application form immigrants must submit to begin the U.S. naturalization process.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. Oath of Allegiance is a legal promise required to become a U.S. citizen. While the U.S. permits dual citizenship, your original country’s laws may require renouncing citizenship. Always check home country policies before naturalization to avoid losing rights or facing legal issues after taking the oath.
— By VisaVerge.com
